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A 

HISTORY 

OF 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 

(JNDEB 

THE  CONTROL 

OF 

THE  TREASURY  DEPARTMENT. 

[EXCLUSIVE  OE  MARINE  HOSPITALS  AND  QUARANTINE  STATIONS  ] 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT    PRINTING  OFFICE. 

1901. 


PRKFACH. 


Treasury  Department, 

Office  of  the  Secretary-, 
Washington,  December  %b  1000. 
In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Department  was  Dot  in  possession  of 
information  in  a  concise  and  convenient  form  relating  to  public  build- 
ings under  its  control,  directions  were  given  for  the  preparation  of  this 
report,  which  it  is  hoped  will  prove  valuable  to  the  committees  in 
Congress  for  the  purpose  of  reference  in  considering  the  erect  ion. 
completion,  and  occupation  of  the  various  buildings  which  may  he 
hereafter  proposed.  The  actsof  appropriation  or  authorization  w  hich 
determined  the  erecting  or  acquiring  of  the  buildings  herein  described 
are  also  given.  The  text  relating  to  each  edifice  is  accompanied  by  a 
photographic  view,  and  it  is  believed  that  the  information  will  l»e  of 
practical  value  ill  the  direction  indicated. 

L.  .1.  Gage, 
Secretary  of  tin-  Treasury. 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL. 


Treasury  I  >epartment, 

Office  of  the  Secretary, 
Washington,  Decemher  21, 1900. 
Sib:  In  compliance  with  your  oral  directions  and  referring  also  to 
Department  letter  of  March  )>l  last,  addressed  to  Mr.  J.  K.  Taylor. 
Supervising  Architect  of  this  Department,  and  having  been  designated 
to  perform  service  in  connection  with  collecting  and  compiling  certain 
information  in  relation  to  the  various  public  buildings  (exclusive  of 
marine  hospitals  and  quarantine  stations)  under  the  control  of  this 
Department,  we  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  a  statement 
arranged  alphabetically  by  States  and  cities. 

In  presenting  this  statement  it  is  proper  that  due  appreciation  should 
bo  expressed  of  the  service  rendered  by  Mr.  Julian  Morton,  of  the 
office  of  the  Supervising  Architect,  in  assisting  in  securing  and  com- 
piling the  information. 

As  this  is  the  first  statement  of  this  character  which  has  been  com- 
piled, some  details  may  he  lacking,  hut  it  will  lie  of  value  in  the  future 
in  the  preparation  of  a  more  comprehensive  history. 
Respectfully, 

W.  II.  Hills. 

J.  A.  Sutherland. 

Hon.  Lyman  J.  Gage, 

Secretary  of  tin  Tr<  <txury. 


6 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


7 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFTCE,  KTi'..  BIRMINGHAM,  \LA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Second  avenue 
and  Eighteenth  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  17<>  feel  on 
tlie  former,  west  14o  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  north  by 
an  alley. 

The  site  was  secured  hy  purchase  March  19,  t88!».  for  *•">•"!. <>oo.  The 
building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  January  28,  L890, 
and  was  occupied  July  1'.'.  1893.  It  was  not  finally  completed,  how- 
ever, until  the  following  year,  the  total  cosl  of  construction  being 
$296,425. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  April  lit,  1888,  October  2,  1888,  .March  Lssit,  March  :;. 
1891,  and  August  23,  L894  (approaches). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  827,212  feet.  Besides  the 
first  floor,  which  is  used  exclusively  by  the  p08t-office,  eighteen  looms 
are  occupied,  principally  by  the  United  State-  courts  and  the  internal- 
revenue  service.  It  is  heated  hy  steam  and  i>  provided  with  elevator 
service. 

Since  the  completion  of  the  building  the  internal  revenue  and  postal 
receipts  have  increased  from  about $125,000  and  ooo.  respectively, 
per  annum,  to  $oOS,2!>*l.!t2  and  fc.S3,»!87.86  during  the  year  ended  June 
30,  1899.  In  18!*0  the  population  of  the  city  was  26,178,  and  in  1900 
it  was  38,4 1 5. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


9 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  HUNTSVILLE,  ALA. 

This  building-  is  located  on  the  west  side  of  Green  street,  about  80 
feet  from  Randolph  street  on  the  north  and  the  same  distance  from 
Eustis  street  on  the  south.  The  land,  which  was  secured  by  purchase 
December  12,  1887,  for  $10,000,  has  a  frontage  of  300  feet  on  Green 
street,  and  120  feet  and  113  feet  on  Randolph  and  Eustis  streets, 
respectively. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  October  .">. 
188S,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  May.  1  !Si«>.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  sv.».7lM'>. •'!.">. 

The  Legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  24,  1887,  and  October  2,  1888. 

The  building  is  inclosed  with  18-inch  red  brick  walls,  covers  an  area 
of  5,904  square  feet,  and  its  cubic  contents  are  4^2. .">2!*  feet.  The 
principal  entrance  is  on  Green  street,  with  approaches  also  direct  from 
Eustis  and  Randolph  streets.  On  the  first  floor  the  post-oflice  work- 
ing room  occupies  the  central  pavilion,  the  postmaster  and  the  land 
oflice  the  north  winy,  and  the  clerk  of  the  court  the  south  wing.  On 
the  second  floor  the  United  States  court  room  occupies  a  position  cor- 
responding to  that  of  the  post-oflice  working  room,  and  the  balance  of 
the  space  is  assigned  to  the  court  officials.  The  jury  lias  quarters  on 
the  third  or  attic  floor. 

Steam  heat  is  supplied  by  direct  and  indirect  radiation  from  a  low- 
pressure,  return-circulation  apparatus,  operated  by  one  boiler. 

In  1890  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  &S.OUO.  and  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1899,  they  were  $21,971.91.  In  1S90  the  popula- 
tion of  the  town  was  7,9!»5,  and  in  19<M>  it  was  .sot)8. 


10 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


11 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  MOBILE,  ALA. 

ruder  authority  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  May  24.  1828  and 
April  30.  ls:;<>.  a  plot  of  "round  was  purchased  May  25,  1831,  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  St.  Francis  and  Royal  streets  for  the  sum  of 
$3,400,  and  a  custom-bouse  erected  thereon.  Additional  appropria- 
tions for  alterations  and  repairs  to  this  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
May  3,  1843,  and  August  In.  1846. 

An  act  of  September  30,  1850,  authorized  the  construction  of  a  new 
custom-house  and  post-office.  Under  the  provisions  of  this  act 
adjoining  land  was  purchased  December  1.").  1851,  for  £12.500,  the 
old  building  removed,  and  the  present  building  constructed.  This 
additional  purchase  extended  the  east  frontage  of  the  land  to  about  I'd 
feet  on  Royal  street  and  the  north  to  ITS  feel  on  St.  Francis  street. 
The  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  L856,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  $379,564.93. 

In  addition  to  the  act  of  September  80,  L850,  appropriations  on 
account  of  the  construction,  repair,  etc.,  of  the  building  were  made 
by  acts  of  duly  21,  1852,  August  4,  1*54,  March  3,  ls55.  dune  12. 
1858,  March  3,  185!»,  and  April  20,  is70. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  1  .< K •'.•.•'.( M >  feet.  The  number 
of  rooms  occupied  are  twenty-three,  they  being  assigned  principally 
to  the  postal  and  customs  services,  light  house  engineers,  weather 
bureau,  and  the  United  States  courts.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  open 
grates  and  is  provided  with  elevator  service. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  l!*00,  the  gross  internal-revenue 
and  postal  business  amounted  to  $107,767.38  and  $114,003.59,  respec- 
tively, and  the  imports  and  exports  aggregated  $1,090,268,  At  the 
time  of  the  construction  of  the  building  the  population  of  the  city 
was  about  28,000.     In  1900  it  was  38,469. 


12 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-Housb,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Montgomery,  Ala. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


13 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  MONTGOMEfiY,  ALA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Dexter  avenue 
and  Laurence  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  loo  feet  on 
the  former,  east  320  feet  on  the  latter,  and  south  loo  feet  on  Wash- 
ington street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  November  27.  IsJSO.  for*l:i.ooo. 
A  contract  was  awarded  September  2'.'.  llSNl.  for  the  basement  and 
area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  July  1.  ls-.s."). 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $147,410. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  bv  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  26,  L880,  March  3,  1*81.  August  7.  1*82.  March 
lss:'»,  duly  7.  18*4,  and  March  3,  L885. 

The  building  contains  an  area  of  .">o<).3oo  cubic  feet,  and  is  supplied 
with  direct  and  indirect  heat  from  a  hot- water  apparatus  operated  by 
one  boiler.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-office 
working  room,  postmaster's  private  office,  and  money-order  room. 
Adjoining  the  lobby  at  the  Dexter  avenue  entrance  are  the  main  stair- 
way and  a  passenger  elevator  connecting  with  the  upper  stories.  The 
second  floor  is  div  ided  into  eight  rooms,  which  arc  assigned  to  the 
United  States  marshal,  grand  jury,  land  office,  and  weather  bureau. 
On  the  third  floor  are  located  the  court  room,  offices  of  the  United 
States  judge,  clerk  of  the  court,  district  attorney,  and  the  petit-jury 
room. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  >iv>f>. (.t:J,t;.o;t.  In  i.sno  t he  population  of  the  city  was  1.6,713,  and  in 
1900  it  was  30,346. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


15 


ALASKA. 

With  the  transfer  of  Alaska  to  the  United  States  under  the  terms  of 
the  treaty  of  March  3<>,  1x67.  w  ith  Russia,  there  came  into  the  posses- 
sion of  this  Government  a  large  Dumber  of  public  buildings  which  had 
been  used  by  both  the  military  and  civil  services  under  the  Russian 
regime.  Many  of  these  buildings  have  been  abandoned  and  have  been 
torn  down  by  the  natives,  or  fallen  from  decay,  while  some  are  still 
occupied  by  different  branches  of  the  Government  service.  Those 
referred  to  below  are  under  the  control  of  the  Treasury  Department. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE,  SITKA.  ALASKA. 

The  custom-house  is  a  log  building,  weatherboarded,  4<»  by  80  feet 
in  plan,  and  was  constructed  about  L840  by  the  Russians.  Before  it 
came  into  the  possession  of  the  United  States  the  first  floor  was  used 
for  a  Dumber  of  years  as  a  countinghouse  by  the  Russian-American 
Fur  Company,  the  upper  story  being  devoted  to  a  school  of  instruction 
in  navigation  for  the  younger  Russians.  Subsequent  to  the  transfer  it 
was  used  as  a  Presbyterian  church  and  post-office  for  a  short  time,  since 
when  it  has  been  occupied  entirely  by  the  customs  service. 

CLUBHOUSE,  SITKA.  ALASKA. 

The  building  at  Sitka  known  as  the  ■•clubhouse"  is  an  old  Log  struc- 
ture, located  on  Lincoln  street,  near  the  Greek  Church,  and  was  built 
by  the  Russian  Governor  Etolin  about  ls4<>.  in  plan  it  i-  by  in  t. 
Prior  to  its  acquisition  from  the  Russian  Government  it  was  used  a-  an 
officers'  clubhouse.  Subsequently  it  was  occupied  as  living  quarters 
by  officers  of  the  Army  and  Navy.  For  a  number  <>f  year-  it  has  been 
condemned  and  the  major  portion  abandoned,  a  few  rooms,  however, 
still  being  used  as  a  newspaper  printing  office. 

WHARF  AM)  WAREHOUSE,  SITKA,  ALASKA. 

The  Government  wdiarf  and  warehouse  at  Sitka  are  Located  at  the 
foot  of  Lincoln  street.  They  were  secured  from  the  Russian  Govern- 
ment, having  originally  been  constructed  about  L840.  The  warehouse 
is  118  by  51  feet,  two  stories  high,  and  built  of  hewn  logs,  weather- 
boarded.  Formerly  it  was  used  for  the  storage  of  furs  by  the  Russian- 
American  Fur  Company, and  since  its  acquisition  by  the  United  States 
Government  it  has  been  used  for  the  storage  of  domestic  merchandise. 
The  illustration  of  the  wharf  and  warehouse  is  from  a  photograph 
taken  in  L891.  The  property  is  now  (1!»00)  substantially  as  shown, 
with  exception  that  there  has  be  en  constructed  (in  1SJM5)  between  the 
warehouse  and  the  head  of  the  wharf  a  shed  for  the  storage  of  coal  for 
the  Revenue-Gutter  Service.  A  separate  illustration  is  shown  of  this 
shed. 


HISTORY  OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


17 


BLOCKHOUSE,  SITKA.  ALASKA. 

This  is  one  of  several  blockhouses  at  Sitka  built  by  the  Russians 
about  1840  and  used  by  them  in  defending  the  town  from  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  natives,  who  at  that  time  wore  both  numerous  and  warlike. 

ASSAY  OFFICE,  SITKA.  ALASKA. 

This  old  log  building  was  constructed  by  the  Russians  about  1840 
and  is  located  on  Lincoln  street.  It  is  one  story,  52  by  'M)  feet,  and  was 
originally  used  as  a  public  bath.  From  lst!7  to  lsTl  it  was  used  as  a 
laundry  by  the  American  soldiers  stationed  at  Sitka;  then  for  a  short 
time  as  a  public  native  school  by  Rev.  Sheldon  Jackson,  and  now  is 
occupied  as  an  assay  office. 

BARANOFF  CASTLE,  SITKA,  ALASKA. 

This  was  one  of  the  old  landmarks  of  Sitka  and  a  relic  of  the  days 
of  Russian  occupancy  of  Alaska.  It  was  located  on  an  elevation  at  the 
rear  of  the  custom-house,  commanding  a  splendid  view,  and  was  occu- 
pied as  a  residence  by  the  imperial  viceroys  of  the  Russian  Govern- 
ment from  1N21  until  the  American  occupation  of  Alaska.  The 
construction  was  of  logs,  keyed  together  with  iron  clamps  and  weather- 
boarded.  Shortly  after  being  altered  and  fitted  up  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  United  States  courts  it  was  destroyed  by  fire  March  17. 
1894.  The  illustration  is  from  a  photograph  taken  about  1  £>!«>.  The 
buildings  in  the  foreground  are  the  custom-house  and  the  old  barracks 
at  the  right,  the  latter  now  being  used  by  the  courts  and  under  the 
control  of  the  Department  of  Justice. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE,  MARY  ISLAND.  ALASKA. 

Mary  Island  is  one  of  the  most  southerly  islands  of  Alaska,  is  in 
north  latitude  about  r>.">  ,  west  longitude  about  L31  .  and  is  about  300 
miles  southeast  from  Sitka. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  ."March  3, 1891,  constituted  Mary  Island, 
Sand  Point,  W  ranged,  Juneau,  Kodiak,  and  Inalaska  ports  of  delivery, 
and  appropriated  £15, (too  for  the  erection  of  the  necessary  buildings 
at  the  first  two  ports,  dune  17.  1891$  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the 
erection  of  the  building  at  Mary  Island,  and  it  was  completed  in 
December  of  that  year.  The  structure  is  located  on  the  north  side 
of  the  island,  is  40  by  40  feet,  two  stories  high — first  story  14  feet  and 
second  12  feet.  The  first  floor  has  four  rooms  and  the  second  six  rooms. 
Prior  to  April  8,  1 '.»<><>,  it  was  used  exclusively  by  the  custom  officials, 
who  were  the  only  inhabitants  on  the  island.  Since  that  time  custom 
business  on  the  island  has  been  discontinued,  and  in  August,  1900,  it 
was  without  an  inhabitant. 


12242—01  2 


18 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  Kadiak,  Alaska. 


HISTORY   OF    ITiiLIC  Bt'ILDINOS. 


19 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  SAM)  POINT.  ALASKA. 

The  Sand  Point  custom-house  is  located  on  Popoff  Island,  one  of  the 
Aleutian  gioup,  near  north  latitude  '>'>  .  west  longitude  100  .  and 
about  1.000  miles  west  from  Sitka.  The  building  was  authorized  by  an 
act  of  Congress  approved  March  l.s'.M,  was  constructed  under  a 
contract  awarded  dune  17.  and  was  completed  in  November  of 

that  year.  The  contract  for  the  erection  of  this  building  embraced 
also  that  on  Mary  Island,  the  cost  of  both  being  $14,500. 

It  is  a  frame  structure,  47  by  35  feet,  and  stands  on  an  elevation 
about  200  feet  from  the  water's  edge,  facing  Humboldt  or  Sand  Point 
harbor.  On  the  first  floor  there  are  five  rooms  and  on  the  second 
one  room,  all  used  by  the  deputy  collector  as  living  quarters  except 
one.  which  is  an  oflice. 

Sand  Point  is  a  small  village,  the  principal  business  of  the  place 
being  with  miners,  hunters,  and  fishermen. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE,  WRANGELL,  ALASKA. 

During  the  years  1868-1870  a  fort  wasestahlished  at  Wrangell.  which 
is  about  175  miles  BSE.  from  Sitka,  and  eight  buildings  were  erected, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $26,000.  The  garrison  was  withdrawn  in  1871,  and 
the  property  was  transferred  to  the  Treasury  Department  dune  L3, 
ls77.  All  the  buildings  comprising  the  fort  were  sold,  however, 
December  19,  1871.  by  an  army  officer  to  William  King  Lear  for  the 
sum  of  #(>00.  The  sale  was  without  proper  authority,  and  on  January 
?>,  1 S 7 7 ,  was  set  aside  by  the  Secretary  of  ^  ar  in  accordance  w  ith  an 
opinion  of  the  .Judge- Ad vocate-( ieneral. 

The  buildings  shown  in  the  illustration  constitute  the  present  CU8- 
tom-house  and  have  been  occupied  as  such  since  about  1880.  The 
larger  is  about  27  by  '.VI  feet,  is  constructed  of  logs,  boarded  inside 
and  outside,  and  is  used  as  an  oflice  and  living  quarters  by  the  deputy 
collector  stationed  at  the  port.  The  small  auxiliary  structure  is  about 
15  by  30  feet  and  of  frame  construction. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE.  KADIAK.  ALASKA. 

The  custom-house  at  Kadiak.  that  in  the  foreground  in  the  illustra- 
tion, is  one  of  a  number  of  buildings  constructed  on  this  island  by  the 
Russians  and  which  came  into  the  possession  of  the  I'nited  States  with 
the  Territory  of  Alaska.  The  original  structure  is  87  by  80  feet,  one 
story,  and  constructed  of  logs  In  1<S6S  an  addition  of  24  by  28  feet 
was  added.  Most  of  the  other  buildings  were  sold  by  order  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  Novembei  11.  1884. 

The  small  building  at  the  left  of  the  custom-house  was  used  for  a 
number  of  years  by  the  (  oast  and  Geodetic  Survey. 

The  town  of  Kadiak  is  on  the  eastern  end  of  an  island  of  that  name, 
which  is  about  :>o  miles  south  of  the  mainland  and  about  625  miles 
west  from  Sitka.  The  harbor  of  Kadiak  is  safe  and  commodious,  the 
climate  is  delightful  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and  the  town  is  the  main 
distributing  point  for  merchandise  consumed  along  the  peninsula  as 
far  west  as  Sand  Point.  Large  establishments  are  located  here  belong- 
ing to  the  Alaska  and  North  American  Commercial  companies. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


21 


PRIBILOF  ISLANDS,  ALASKA. 

The  Pribilof  Islands — St.  Paul  and  St.  George — are  located  in  the 
Bering  Sea  at  57-  north  latitude  and  17<»  west  longitude,  2.250  miles 
WNW.  from  San  Francisco,  1,400  miles  WNW.  from  Sitka,  and  200 
miles  NNW.  from  Unalaska.  Thev  arc  the  principal  fields  for  the 
capture  of  fur  seals,  which  work  is  under  the  supervision  of  agents 
of  the  Treasury  Department.  The  buildings  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  Treasury  officials  were  purchased  and  framed  in  San  Francisco, 
Cal.,  in  March,  1S72,  at  a  cost  of  $3,356.35.  The  parts  were  shipped 
to  the  islands  and  there  put  together  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year,  the 
cost  of  freight,  carpentry  work  on  the  island,  and  supplying  furniture 
being  about  §2,500.  One  building  is  located  on  St.  Paul  and  the  other 
on  St.  George  island. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE,  UNALASKA.  ALASKA. 

The  custom-house  at  this  point — a  small  wooden  structure — w  as  pur- 
chased August  2,  1*72,  for  the  sum  of  &1.NOO.  Originally  it  wa>  25  by 
15  feet,  with  three  rooms,  and  under  authority  from  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  dated  September  5,  l  siej,  a  one-story  extension.  12  by 
24  feet,  was  constructed,  thus  adding  two  rooms.  The  building  is 
located  on  the  water  front  between  the  (ireek  Church  and  -choolhou-e. 
and  is  occupied  by  the  deputy  collector  of  customs. 

Unalaska  is  on  an  island  of  that  name — one  of  the  Aleutian  group — 
near  west  longitude  10(5  .  north  latitude  .~>4  .and  is  about  1,200  miles 
west  from  Sitka  and  2<>0  miles  SSK.  from  the  Pribilof  Islands.  It  is 
on  the  route  taken  by  vessels  from  the  Pacific  coast  to  the  Bering  Sea. 
and  all  the  mail  steamers  stop  at  this  port. 

CUSTOM-HOl'SK.  PORT!  MILK.  ALASKA. 

This  custom-house  is  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  Forty  Mile  Creek. 
Alaska,  about  alio  feet  west  from  the  boundary  Line  between  Alaska 
and  the  British  territory,  in  west  longitude  1111'  and  north  latitude 
6-10  15'.  It  is  constructed  of  pine  logs,  with  pole  and  dirt  roof,  and 
is  14  by  2i»  feet  in  plan.  The  building  was  erected  during  duly.  lS'.t'.t, 
at  a  cost  of  about  ^2<iii,  and  the  account  for  the  work  was  approved 
by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  under  date  of  October  L3,  L899. 
The  cost  was  paid  from  the  appropriation  for  "  Expenses  of  collecting 
the  revenue  from  customs."  There  are  no  inhabitants  at  this  place, 
excepting  the  deputy  collector  in  charge,  the  nearest  towns  being 
those  of  Cudahy  and  Forty  Mile,  about  *2~>  miles  distant,  where  the 
Forty  Mile  Creek  Hows  into  the  Yukon  River. 


22 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Camden,  Ark. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


23 


POST-OFFICE,  CAMDEN,  ARE. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Con- 
gross  approved  December  27.  18!»o,  and  March  3,  lst'l.  It  fronts 
north  on  Washington  street  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north 
120  feet  by  Washington  street,  on  the  west  110  feet  by  Scott  alley,  and 
on  the  south  120  feet  by  Randolph  alley. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  July  2:).  lsi'2,  for  ^4,ooo.  The 
building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  December  L4,  1894, 
and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  ls!»»i.  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$20,862.52. 

The  building  is  32  feet  11  inches  by  55  feet  lo  inches  in  plan,  and  is 
inclosed  by  lti-inch  walls,  faced  with  red  pressed  brick.  Its  cubic  con- 
tents are  89,000  feet.  Inside  the  main  entrance  i>  the  post-office  lobby, 
about  12  feet  wide,  which  is  terminated  at  its  wot  end  by  the  money- 
order  and  registry  division  and  extends  back  along  the  east  side  of  the 
building  to  the  postmaster's  private  oflice,  which  is  located  at  the  south- 
east corner.  At  the  east  end  of  the  lobby  is  the  main  stairway  leading 
to  the  second  story.  These,  stairs  are  framed  in  pine,  with  the  tread-, 
risers,  and  platforms  of  pine,  and  the  remainder  of  the  finishing  wood, 
including  string  and  stair  well  casings  and  balustrades,  of  quartered 
white  oak.  Tin1  post-office  working  room  is  about  20  by  36  feet,  and 
is  separated  from  the  main  corridor  or  Lobby  by  a  screen  framed  in 
yellow  pine  and  finished  in  white  oak  similar  to  the  stairs.  On  the 
second  floor  there  are  four  rooms  assigned  to  the  land  office.  The 
finish  generally,  with  the  exceptions  noted,  is  in  white  pine,  with  floors 
of  Southern  pine.  The  floors  of  the  post-oflice  lobbyand  of  the  base- 
ment and  second-story  toilet  rooms  are  laid  in  white  tile.  There  are 
three  fireproof  vaults  in  the  building  two  on  the  first  floor  and  one 
on  the  second— and  several  of  the  rooms  are  provided  with  mantels 
and  grates,  which,  being  assisted  by  stoves,  provide  the  artificial  heat 
required. 

During  the  years  ended  March  31,  1900,  and  June  '■'>".  L900,  the 
receipts  of  the  post-office  and  land  office  were  *ti.44.~>.2S  and  $43,506.26, 
respectively.  In  1S!»0  the  population  of  the  city  was  2,571,  and  in 
1900  it  was  2,840. 


24 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    OK   1TBLIC    BT'ILDI  No>. 


25 


COUR-  HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  FORT  SMITH.  ARK. 

In  1S3!>  the  Government  purchased  312  acre-  of  land  at  this  place 
and  constructed  a  fort  thereon,  the  buildings  being  completed  in  1^4i\ 
In  1871  the  property  was  transferred  to  the  I  department  of  the  Interior, 
and  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  13,  1884,  a  hu  ge  portion  of 
the  ground  was  donated  to  the  city  for  public-school  purposes,  reserv- 
ing, among  other  portions,  so  much  as  may  be  selected  by  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Treasury  for  public  buildings.  Block  514  was  selected 
for  this  purpose,  and  is  hounded  on  the  southeast  I!1"*  feet  by  South 
Sixth  street,  on  the  southwest  :!12  feet  by  Parker  avenue,  on  the 
northeast  312  feet  by  Rogers  avenue,  and  on  the  northwest  300  feet  by 
South  Fifth  street. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  1»>.  lsst;,  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  a  court-house,  post-office,  etc.  on  tin-  block,  and  the 
remodeling  and  construction  of  an  addition  to  the  old  building  within 
the  walls  of  the  fort  so  as  to  adapt  it  for  a  jail.  The  old  building 
referred  to  had  been  occupied  by  the  United  States  district  court 
since  its  establishment  at  Fort  Smith. 

A  contract  for  foundations  for  the  court-house,  post-oflice.  etc..  w  as 
awarded  March  25.  1 S87.  and  the  building  was  occupied  by  the  court 
and  postal  officials  September  14, 1889.  It  was  finally  completed  Boon 
afterwards,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being  £115.(.I33.23. 

In  addition  to  the  act  of  March  J6,  1886,  appropriations  on  it  - 
account  were  made  by  acts  of  March  2.  lss<»,  and  April  4.  1890. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick  with  stone  trimming-,  and 
fronts  southeast  on  South  Sixth  street,  about  midway  between  Rogers 
and  Park  avenues.  It  contains  a  cubic  area  of  237,<>(H)  feet,  i-  heated 
by  steam  and  open  grates,  and  is  provided  with  elevator  sen  LC6. 
Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  used  entirely  by  the  post-office,  the 
number  of  rooms  occupied  are  sixteen,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal 
and  internal-revenue  services  and  the  United  States  courts. 

The  postal  receipts  since  the  occupation  of  the  building  have  increased 
from  $18,418.72  during  the  first  year  to  &2U.547. 42  in  ls'.»:t.  In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  11,311,  and  in  1900  it  was  11,587. 

Work  on  the  jail  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  Januarv 
17,  1887,  and  it  was  completed  in  the  latter  part  of  1SH1.  The  build- 
ing has  since  been  transferred  to  the  Department  of  Justice. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


27 


COURT-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE.  HELENA.  ARK. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Porter  and  Cherry 
streets,  on  a  half  block  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north  131  feet  7 
inches  by  Perry  street,  on  the  south  131  feet  6  inches  by  Porter  street, 
on  the  east  330  feet  5  inches  by  Persimmon  alley,  and  on  the  west  33C 
feet  5  inches  by  Cherry  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  February  s,  1890,  for  the  sum 
of  $3,750.  Sketch  plans  and  working  drawings  were  prepared  and  a 
contract  entered  into  on  December  D.  lK'.to,  for  the  erection  and  com- 
pletion of  the  building,  except  heating  apparatus  and  approaches.  By 
the  latter  part  of  1891  the  brick  masonry  was  complete  and  the  build- 
ing placed  under  roof.  As  further  prosecution  of  work  under  this 
contract  was  being  conducted  in  an  unsatisfactory  manner,  and  all 
efforts  to  secure  proper  action  on  the  part  of  the  contractor  in  regard 
to  completion  proved  ineffectual,  it  became  necessary  for  the  Depart- 
ment to  avail  itself  of  a  provision  of  the  contract  by  which  it  was 
entitled  to  assume  charge  of  the  work  and  to  complete  the  same,  and 
charge  the  costs  to  the  contractor  and  the  sureties  on  the  bond  fur- 
nished by  him.  This  was  done  and  the  work  completed  in  accordance 
with  the  specification  and  drawings.  The  heating  apparatus  was 
installed  and  the  building  occupied  March  t,  1803,  the  total  cost  or 
construction  being  &NO,457.50. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  April  1  1,  isstt,  October  2,  lsst,.  August  •J'-',.  1*5*4  (approaches), 
and  July  l'.».  1897  (approaches). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
•  334,700  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  by  the 
postal  service  and  United  States  courts,  the  number  of  rooms  assigned 
being  ten. 

In  185)3  the,  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  £*!,NOO.  and  during  the 
year  ended  June  80,  1899,  to  $9,793.15.  In  1890  the  population  of 
the  city  amounted  to  5,189,  and  in  1900  to  5,550. 


28 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


29 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  LITTLE  ROCK,  ARK. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  the  limit  of  cost  fixed  by  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  June  7,  1872,  which  limit  was  extended  by  an  act 
of  August  15,  L876. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  May  It!,  1*74.  for  the  sum  of 
$25,000.  It  is  bounded  on  the  east  and  west  100  feet  bv  Center  and 
Spring  streets,  and  on  the  north  and  south  :'.<><•  feet  by  an  alley  and 
Second  street,  respectively. 

A  contract  was  awarded  April  13,  1*77.  for  the  basement  and  area 
walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  I  )ecember.  L881, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  (224,542.87. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  main  building  were  approved 
June  7,  1872,  March  3,  1*77,  June  2<>.  1*7*.  March  1*7!>.  June  10. 
1**0  (approaches),  March  3.  1**1  (approaches),  and  August  7.  1**2 
(appn  >aches). 

In  pursuance  of  provisions  made  by  acts  of  August  27.  I*!t4.  March 
2,  1895,  and  June  11,  189*5,  a  contract  was  awarded  March  1!*,  L897, 
for  the  construction  of  a  four-story  extension  to  the  building,  which 
work,  with  the  installation  of  a  passenger  elevator,  was  completed  in 
July,  1898,  the  total  cost  being  Sloo.li4it.27.  The  extension  is  on  the 
north  side  of  the  building,  about  midway  between  each  end,  and  is  in 
plan  42  by  4*  feet. 

The  building,  which  fronts  south  on  Second  street,  is  of  Berea  (( )hio) 
sandstone,  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of  4!t4.7i><>  feet,  divided  into  thirty- 
nine  rooms,  corridors,  etc.,  above  the  basement.  It  is  heated  by  a  hot- 
water  apparatus  and  open  grates,  and  is  equipped  with  an  electric  pas- 
senger elevator.  The  tirst  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal 
service,  and  the  third  floor  and  part  of  the  second  by  the  United  States 
courts.  The  remaining  rooms  are  occupied  principally  by  the  land 
office,  internal-revenue  service,  and  weather  bureau. 

The  internal-revenue  collections  during  the  years  ended  June  80, 
1881,  and  June  3o,  l*«t;t,  were  $132.0*7.44  and  *200.!MU.27.  respec- 
tively. The  gross  postal  receipts  for  t lie  fiscal  year  I*lt*-it0  amounted 
to  $65,391.09.  In  1**0  the  population  of  the  city  was  13.13*.  and  in 
1900  it  was  38,807. 


HISTORY   of  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


31 


OUUBT-HOrSK  AND  POST-OFFICE.  TEXARKANA,  ARK.  AND  TEX, 

This  building  is  located  on  the  line  between  Arkansas  and  Texas  on 
State  Line  avenue,  fronting  south  on  Fifth  street,  and  is  between 
Elm  street  on  the  east  and  Olive  street  on  the  west.  The  laud  was 
secured  by  purchase  July  15,  1889,  for  $8,000. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  October  14. 
18!»0,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  January  L,  1892,  the  COSl  of 

construction  being $101,453.96.  It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  April  L9,  L888,  and  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of 
October  2,  1888,  March  2,  1889,  and  September  30,  1890. 

The  building  has  a  cubic  area  of  400,000  feet  and  is  heated  by  steam. 
The  number  of  rooms  occupied  are  thirteen,  they  being  assigned  prin- 
cipally to  the  post-office  and  the  United  States  court-.  The  court  room 
and  court  offices  are  on  the  east  side  of  the  State  line,  which  passes 
through  the  building  at  a  right  angle  with  the  main  trout  and  on  the 
east  line  of  the  tower. 

In  1892  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $12,500,  and 
during  the  year  ended  June  30.  lSiM),  they  were  &n,<>12.7ii.  In  IS'.H) 
the  population  of  the  city  was  6,380  and  in  L!>U0  it  was  Lu.lTO. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


33 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  LOS  ANGELES,  CAL. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Janu- 
ary 29, 1887.  The  site  was  purchased  August  15, 1887,  for  $28,000,  and 
is  bounded  on  the  northwest  by  Main  street  142  feet  9  inches,  on  the 
east  by  Winston  street  145  feet,  and  on  the  southeast  99  feet  4  inches 
by  a  20-foot  alley.  Main  and  Winston  streets  form  an  angle  of  about 
65°  at  the  corner  of  the  lot,  the  latter  extending  nearly  north  and  south. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  February 
9,  1889,  and  in  September  of  that  year,  when  the  masonry  had  reached 
the  second-floor  level,  and  the  second-floor  beams  were  Bet,  the  Depart- 
ment, upon  representations  from  citizens  of  Los  Angeles,  suspended 
the  work,  pending  anticipated  action  by  Congress  upon  a  proposition 
to  increase  the  limit  of  cost  of  the  building  from  $15o.ooo  to$5oo.OOO, 
so  as  to  perm  it  of  the  purchase  of  additional  land  and  the  construction 
of  a  more  suitable  structure.  Congress  having  failed  to  act  in  the 
matter,  work  on  the  building  was  resumed  in  June,  1891,  under  pre- 
vious contracts,  and  the  structure  was  completed,  except  the  heating 
apparatus,  and  occupied  in  the  summer  of  L892.  The  heating  plant 
was  installed  under  a  contract  awarded  .January  10.  1N93. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  approved  March  )'».  1  ssT.  <  )<to- 
ber  2, 1888,  and  July  2H,  1892, and  itcost  $124,281.23,  exclusive  of  site. 

Under  appropriations  approved  March  2,  lS!t5.  and  dune  11.  ls;»ti, 
aggregating  $17,000,  alterations  were  made  in  the  building,  and  a  one- 
story  extension  about  25  by  t'»0  feet  in  plan  constructed  at  the  south  end. 

An  act  of  March  3,  IN!»!),  provides  for  the  extension  of  the  building 
and  limits  the  cost  of  the  same,  with  additional  land,  at  $25o.omu.  An 
adjoining  strip  of  ground,  fronting  40  feet  on  Main  street  and  extend- 
ing back  140  feet  to  the  alley,  was  purchased  dune  lti.  1 '.ton,  for  the 
sum  of  $20,0(10,  thus  giving  the  ( io\ eminent  lot  a  total  frontage  of 
182  feet  9  inches  on  Main  street  and  1  :'>'.'  feet  4  inches  on  the  alley. 

The  extension  will  consist  of  awing  fronting  4o  feet  .">  inches  on 
Main  street,  running  southeast  1  lo  feet  <>  inches;  an  addition  on  the 
rear  of  the  present  building  22  feet  M  inches  by  9S  feet  4  inches,  and 
the  introduction  of  a  new  story  to  the  whole  structure.  The  present 
building  contains,  approximately,  459.810  cubic  feet.  As  extended 
it  will  contain  802,800  cubic  feet.  With  the  extension  it  will  be  three 
stories,  basement,  and  attic  in  height.  The  present  main  entrance 
will  be  retained,  the  new  Main  street  wing  making  a  symmetrical  struc- 
ture fronting  115  feet  10  inches  on  that  street.  The  Winston  street 
frontage  will  be  110  feet  2  inches,  the  entrance  on  this  street  remain- 
ing as  it  is.  The  entire  first  floor  will  be  assigned  to  the  post-office, 
the  second  to  office  rooms  generally,  the  third  to  the  two  courts  and 
court  offices,  and  the  attic  to  the  Weather  Bureau,  etc.  The  present 
turrets  at  the  angles  will  be  abandoned,  new  dormers  substituted  for 
those  in  place,  and  the  building  will  assume  a  more  dignified  character, 
generally  in  keeping  with  its  increased  size.  The  materials  composing 
the  present  structure  (red  brick,  brownstone,  and  terra  cotta)  will  be 
retained  throughout,  and  the  old  work  will  be  cleaned  and  burnished 
up  to  harmonize  with  the  new  work. 

As  an  indication  of  the  increase  in  the  volume  of  business  in  this 
city,  the  postal  receipts  in  1891  amounted  to  about  $ios,(sot>,  and  in 
1899  to  $228,451.  The  population  in  1890  was  50.395,  and  in  1900  it 
was  102,479. 


1^42— 01  3 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


35 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  MONTEREY.  CAL 

The  foundations  of  the  old  custom-house  at  Monterey.  CaL,  were 
laid  by  the  Spanish  Government  about  1816,  and  work  thereon  pro- 
gressed until  the  revolt  of  Mexico.  Subsequently  operations  were 
resumed  by  the  Mexican  Government  and  the  building  partially  com- 
pleted and  occupied.  It  was  finally  completed  by  the  United  States, 
thus  being  the  work  of  three  Governments.  It  is  constructed  princi- 
pally of  adobe,  as  are  most  of  the  buildings  in  Monterey  which  are 
reminiscences  of  the  Mexican  regime. 

When  Col.  John  C.  Fremont  was  in  command  of  his  battalion  of 
mounted  riflemen  called  the  Hear  Flag  Forces,  be  made  this  old  build- 
ing his  headquarters.  Its  crowning  historical  glory,  however, 
occurred  on  the  7th  of  July,  1«46.  when  Commodore  J.  D.  Sloat,  of 
the  United  States  frigate  Savannah,  landed  250  marines  and  sailors, 
hauled  down  the  Mexican  flag,  raised  the  Stars  and  Stripes  over  the 
building,  and  issued  a  proclamation  declaring  California  from  that 
time  to  be  a  portion  of  the  United  States.  This  was  the  first  raising  of 
Old  Glory  in  California,  with  the  exception  of  in  L842,  w  hen,  through 
misapprehension,  Commodore  Jones,  of  the  American  Navy,  raised 
the  Stars  and  Stripes  over  the  fort  at  Monterey  and  took  possession  of 
the  country  for  the  United  States.  The  next  day.  however,  he  hauled 
down  his  colors  and  apologized  for  his  mistake. 

Following  the  American  occupation  a  customs  district  was  estab- 
lished at  Monterey  and  continued  till  18*51,  when  it  was  merged  into 
the  district  of  San  Francisco,  an  inspector  being  left  in  charge  of  this 
building.  In  L879  the  inspector's  ofliee  at  this  place  was  abolished 
and  the  building  was  abandoned  by  the  Government  Bervice.  The 
custodianship  of  the  building  has  been  exercised  in  a  general  manner 
by  the  collector  of  customs  at  San  Francisco,  but  it  has  been  under 
the  direct  charge,  as  custodian,  of  Mr.  Thomas  (i.  Lambert  almost 
continuously  from  18*!!>  until  the  latter  part  of  I'.hio.  he  having  been 
designated  for  the  duty  by  the  respective  collectors.  On  September 
9,  1900,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  admission  of  California  into  the 
Union,  the  structure  was  leased  to  the  Native  Sons  of  the  Golden 
West  for  the  period  not  exceeding  live  years  at  a  nominal  rent  per 
annum.  Under  the  auspices  of  this  organization  it  is  to  be  used  as  a 
museum  of  California  history  in  and  about  Monterey. 

The  city  of  Monterey  is  situated  on  Monterey  Hay.  about  1l'.">  miles 
south  from  San  Francisco.  It  was  originally  founded  in  L770  as  a 
mission  station  and  presidio  (garrison)  by  Junipers  Serra.  and  was 
the  capital  of  California  up  to  1K47.  Fpon  the  occupation  of  the 
country  by  the  United  States  the  city  had  a  flourishing  trade  and 
promising  future,  but  soon  suffered  from  the  rivalry  of  San  Fran- 
cisco. During  recent  years,  however,  it  has  become  one  of  the  lead- 
ing watering  places  on  the  Pacific  coast  The  present  population  is 
about  1,748. 


36 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Sacramento,  Cal. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


37 


POST  OFFICE,  ETC..  SACRAMENTO.  CAL 

This  building  fronts  south  on  Iv  street  and  is  situated  on  a  plot  of 
ground  bounded  on  the  north  L61  feet  4  inches  by  Oak  avenue,  south 
161  feet  7  inches  by  K  street,  and  on  the  west  140  feet  5$  inches  by 
Seventh  street,  the  east  line  of  the  lot  being  140  feet  6f  inches. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  duly  23,  1887,  and  January  30, 
1880,  for  the  sum  of  $40,000.  A  contract  was  awarded  September  13, 
1890,  for  excavations,  foundations,  basement  and  area  walls,  and  the 
building  was  completed  and  occupied  February  15,  ls'.i-f.  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $264,121.20.  It  is  constructed  of  lone,  Cal.,  red 
sandstone,  with  entrance  steps  and  platforms  of  granite,  and  contain-  an 
area  of  464.830  cubic  feet.  On  the  tirst  floor  is  located  the  post-office 
working  room,  registry  and  money-order  division,  and  the  private 
offices  of  the  postmaster  and  assistant  postmaster.  Inside  the  K  street 
entrance  is  the  main  corridor,  extending  east  and  west,  and  returning 
along  the  west  end  to  the  stair  hall  and  elevator  connecting  with  the 
upper  floors.  There  are  nine  rooms  on  the  second  floor,  occupied  by 
the  internal-revenue  and  land-office  officials,  and  in  the  third  story,  or 
attic,  are  located  the  weather  bureau  officials'  quarters  and  the  railway 
mail  clerks' dormitory.  At  the  rear  of  the  tower  is  a  shaft  covered 
by  a  skylight  which  transmits  light  to  the  second-story  corridor, 
through  the  floor  of  which,  by  glass  lights,  it  is  admitted  to  the  post- 
office  working  room  below.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  throughout  the 
building  from  a  low-pressure  return-circulation  apparatus. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  act-  of  Congress 
approved  February  2S,  1S85,  March  3,  1SS5,  dune  7.  1888,  May  22. 
1890,  March  3,  1891,  and  August  23,  1894  (elevator,  etc.). 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  annual  postal  receipt- 
aggregated  $t>7, 000,  and  during  the  year  ended  dune  3o,  1S!)!»,  they 
amounted  to$79, 192.31.  In  1 890  the  population  of  the  city  was  26,886, 
and  in  1900  it  was  29,282. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


39 


APPRAISERS'  STORES  (NEW).  SAX  FRANCISCO,  CAE. 

This  building  occupies  the  west  half  of  the  block  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Jackson  street,  east  by  Battery  street,  south  by  Washington 
street,  and  west  by  Sansome  street.  A  statement  of  the  transactions 
incident  to  securing  the  land  is  recited  under  the  heading  of  "Custom- 
house, etc.,  San  Francisco,  Cal." 

The  building  was  commenced  in  1874  and  completed  in  l.ssl,  at  a 
cost  of  $840,000.  It  was  occupied,  however,  in  the  latter  part  of  1879. 
In  1878  an  artesian  well  was  sunk  between  the  new  appraisers'  stores 
and  custom-house,  at  a  cost  of  $775,  which  for  some  time  supplied  all 
the  water  required  for  the  three  buildings  on  this  block.  The  ground 
in  this  vicinity  is  all  made  land,  it  having  been  formerly  covered  by 
the  waters  of  the  bay;  and.  with  a  view  to  securing  suitable  founda- 
tions, and  as  a  protection  from  the  destructive  influences  <>t'  moisture, 
this  building  has  been  placed  on  a  massive  bed  of  concrete  and  the 
basement  walls  securely  anchored  thereto.  The  custom-house  and  old 
appraisers1  stores  rest  on  piles,  some  driven  to  a  depth  of  so  feet. 

The  new  appraisers'  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick  with  stone 
trimmings,  and  contains  an  area  of  2,385,000  cubic  feet.  There  are  82 
rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  appraisers' 
departments,  United  States  courts,  marine  hospital  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  coast  and  geodetic  and  geological  survey-,  post-office 
inspectors,  etc.,  the  courts  occupying  the  third  lloor  entirely  and  four 
rooms  on  the  fourth  floor.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  for  the  tir>t  floor 
and  11  rooms  on  the  third,  the  other  offices  being  heated  by  open 
grates  and  stoves.  There  are  three  elevators  in  the  building,  one 
passenger  arid  two  freight. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  act-  of  Congress 
approved  March  3,  1873,  March  3,  187.").  July  31,  1876,  March  3, 
1877,  April  30,  1878,  June  20,  1878,  and  June  10,  1880. 

During  the  year  ended  June  Ho.  lSlt'.t.  the  internal-revenue  receipts 
amounted  to  $3,724,!m!4.1N.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was 
233,!t.V.t.  and  in  !!»()()  it  was  H42.7S2. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


41 


APPRAISERS'  STORES  (OLD).  SAN  FRANCISCO.  CAL. 

The  illustration  on  the  opposite  page  shows  the  old  appraisers'  stores 
in  the  foreground,  the  custom-house  at  the  left,  and  a  portion  of  the 
new  appraisers"  stores  in  the  rear. 

This  old  appraisers'  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of 
the  Government  block,  hounded  on  the  north  by  Jackson  street,  east 
by  Battery  street,  south  by  Washington  street,  and  west  by  Sansome 
street.  A  statement  of  the  transactions  incident  to  securing  the  land 
is  given  in  connection  with  the  custom  house  on  page  4.">. 

It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  August  4,  1S54.  and  was  constructed  and  completed  at  the 
same  time  as  the  custom-house,  being  occupied  in  1856.  The  cost  of 
construction  was  $93,566.75.  The  building  is  of  brick  and  cement, 
with  mastic  covering,  and  asphalt  root'.  It  was  occupied  as  an 
appraisers' stores  until  the  latter  part  of  1ST!*,  when  the  new  appraisers' 
building  was  occupied,  since  which  time  the  main  floor  has  been 
occupied  by  the  postal  service,  and  the  upper  doors  by  other  Govern- 
ment offices. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


43 


BRANCH  MINT.  SAX  FRANCISCO,  CAL. 

Thi.s  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Fifth  and  Mis- 
sion streets,  on  a  plot  of  "round  27.">  feet  square,  bounded  on  the  east 
by  the  former  and  on  the  south  by  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  purchased  March  7.  ls»>7.  for  5*1"".         and  the 

building  was  commenced  in  l.Stiit,  and  completed  and  occupied  in  ls74. 
the  cost  of  construction  being  £2. 1 :!"..">  12. 

The  basement  walls  are  of  granite,  and  the  superstructure  of  sand- 
stone from  XewC'astle  Island.  Gulf  of  Georgia,  British  Columbia. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  July  2,  LS(i4,  March  3,  l.stilt,  April  12.  1870,  duly  L5,  L870, 
March  3, 1871,  dune  10,  1*72.  March  3,  1873,  dune  23,  1S74  (last 
three  for  machinery),  March  ti,  lss2  (vaults).  March  2.  L889  (vaults), 
and  March  3,  L899  (repairs  and  new  coping  around  roof). 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  mint  occupied,  from 
1854  to  1874,  the  building  on  ( 'onunercial  street,  between  Montgomery 
and  Kearney  streets,  now  used  as  a  subtreasury. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  L899,  the  value  of  the  gold  and 
silver  deposited  at  this  mint  was  £ul.:-U.").442.4s. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


45 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  ETC.,  SAN  FRANCISCO.  CAL. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  block  belong- 
ing to  the  United  States  and  which  is  hounded  on  the  north  by  Jackson, 
on  tin;  east  by  Battery,  on  the  south  by  Washington,  and  on  the  west 
by  Sansome  streets. 

The  land  was  conveyed  to  the  United  States  September  8,  1854,  by 
the  governor  of  the  State  of  California  for  the  sum  of  $15o.ooo,  one- 
half  of  the  appraised  value,  said  conveyance  being  in  pursuance  of  an 
act  of  the  State  legislature  approved  May  3,  L854.  This  act  also  pro- 
vided that  if  any  portion  of  the  land  is  disposed  of  by  the  United 
States,  such  portion  will  revert  to  the  State.  It  was  supplemented 
by  an  act  approved  March  3,  ISDN,  and  the  land  was  unconditionally 
conveyed  to  the  United  States  by  deed  recorded  May  4.  lst>s.  During 
1854  $10,000  were  paid  in  extinguishing  private  claims  to  the  ground. 

The  main  building,  which  is  principally  of  brick  and  cement  with 
mastic  covering,  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1*50,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  about  $450, oik i.  It  is  used  by  the  postal  and  customs 
services,  and.  together  with  the  old  appraisers'  building,  contains  an  area 
of  604,200  cubic  feet.  Both  of  these  building*  are  heated  by  open  tire- 
places  and  stoves.  The  custom-house  is  provided  with  a  hydraulic 
elevator  operated  by  power  furnished  from  the  new  appraisers'  store-. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  September  80,  1S50;  March  1S51;  July  21,  1N52;  March 
3,  1853;  August  4,  L854;  March  8.  1S55;  August  2s.  ls5(J  (paving 
streets);  March  2,  1861  (paving);  March  3.  ISO!)  (repairs);  July  15.  ls~\\ 
(repairs). 

During  the  years  between  ls.so  and  1885  and  in  ls'.tl  the  1-story 
frame  annexes  shown  in  the  illustration  were  constructed  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  post-otlice,  the  latter  addition  being  erected  under 
the  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  8.  1891.  The 
annex  at  the  north  end  of  the  building  is  seen  more  clearly  in  the  illus- 
tration of  the  old  appraisers'  building  on  page  40.  A  portion  of  this 
old  appraisers'  building  is  seen  at  the  right  of  the  illustration  on  the 
opposite  page  adjoining  the  custom-house  on  the  north.  To  the  left, 
across  the  alleyway,  is  seen  a  portion  of  the  new  appraisers'  building. 
The  trees  in  the  foreground  are  (dins. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  18SM,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $;)!)8,!)2«).74.  In  185(>  the  population  of  the  city  was  about  40,000 
and  in  1900  it  was  342,782.  The  yearly  average  of  the  exports  and 
imports  entered  at  this  port  from  18*5  to  l*'.''.i  was  $33,852,505  and 
$41,257,412,  respectively. 


46 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


SuBTREASURY,  SaN  FRANCISCO,  CaL. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


47 


SUBTREASURY,  SAN  FRANCISCO.  CAL. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  north  side  of  Commercial  street, 
about  60  feet  west  of  Montgomery  street.  The  site  has  a  frontage  of 
60  feet  and  is  59  feet  '.»  inches  deep. 

April  15,  1858,  the  Department  entered  into  a  contract  with  Joseph 
R.  Curtis,  under  which  was  conveyed  to  the  United  States,  for  the  sum 
of  $239,900,  4(i  front  feet  of  this  lot,  with  the  building  thereon,  in 
which  the  minting  business  had  been  conducted  under  a  contract  with 
Curtis,  Perry  &  Ward.  July  0.  1853,  a  second  contract  was  entered 
into  with  Mr.  Curtis  for  the  purchase  of  the  additional  west  20  front 
feet  of  the  present  site  for  $1;">.<)U0  and  the  construction  thereon  of  an 
extension  to  the  building  for  £^S.!to!i.  The  building  was  completed 
in  1854,  and  was  occupied  as  a  branch  mint  until  the  completion  of 
the  present  mint  on  Fifth  and  Mission  streets. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  structure  were  made  by  acts 
of  Congress  approved  August  HI,  L852,  May  31,  1854,  and  August  18, 
1856. 

Under  appropriations  made  by  acts  of  June  23.  1*74:  March  3. 
1875;  July  31,  1876,  and  March  3,  1877.  the  walls  of  the  buildingwere 
torn  down  and  the  structure  reconstructed  as  at  present  for  the  offices 
of  the  United  States  assistant  treasurer  and  other  Government  offi- 
cials, the  cost  of  this  work  being  about  &K>7,0(iu.  The  building  was 
occupied  in  October,  1^77. 

It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  contains  an  area  of 
1, (580,800  cubic  feet,  and  is  now  occupied  by  the  assistant  treasurer 
and  land  office.  Heat  is  furnished  by  fireplaces  and  stoves.  There  is 
a  hydraulic  freight  elevator  operating  between  the  basement  and  the 
main  business  oflice  of  the  subtreasury  on  the  first  floor. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


49 


POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  SAX  JOSE.  CAL. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  April  2N.  lS'.'o.  It  is  in  the  north  corner  of  Mar- 
ket Plaza,  fronting  southeast  and  southwest,  and  is  on  a  plot  of  ground 
bounded  on  the  northwest  138.31  feet  by  San  Fernando  street  and  on 
the  southwest  137.84  feet  by  the  line  of  Market  street,  the  site  having 
been  secured  by  purchase  December  24,  lsuo.  for  the  sum  of  £.'>!».< too. 
The  plaza  is  of  a  rectangular  shape,  is  terminated  at  its  northwest  end 
by  San  Fernando  street,  and  is  approached  by  Market  street,  the  line 
of  which  forms  its  Longitudinal  axis. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  May  9, 18'.'2. 
and  was  completed  and  occupied  February  L,  L895,  the  cost  of  con 
struction  being  $160,5  L-8.33. 

It  is  built  of  sandstone,  quarried  near  San  Jose,  contains  an  area  of 
459,800  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  a  -v-teni  of  indirect  radiation 
operated  by  one  steam  boiler.  The  tirst  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by 
the  postal  service. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  :MK  lS'.'lt.  the  gross  postal  receipts  were 
$49,049.72.  I"  IS'-'0  the  population  of  the  city  was  18,060,  and  in 
1900  it  was  21,500. 

12242—01  4 


HISTORY  OF  I'l'HLIC  BUILDINGS. 


51 


BRANCH  MINT,  DENVER,  COLO. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  April  21,  18(32.  the  establishment 
of  a  branc  h  mint  at  Denver,  Colo.,  was  authorized  and  an  appropri- 
ation made  therefor.  In  November  of  that  year  the  present  building 
located  at  the  corner  of  Sixteenth  and  Market  streets  on  a  lot  fronting 
northeast  about  125  feet  on  the  former  and  southeast  100  feet  on  the 
latter  was  purchased  from  Clark,  (J ruber  &  Co.  for  $25,000.  A  reso- 
lution of  Congress,  approved  March  3.  18(53,  vested  in  the  United 
States  a  clear  title  to  the  land.  Congress  by  acts  of  duly  7,  1884.  and 
March  3,  1887,  appropriated  funds  for  the  repair  of  the  building,  but 
as  the  structure  proved  to  lie  in  such  a  dilapidated  condition  a-  to 
render  repairs  impracticable,  and  as  it  was  held  that  the  appropriations 
could  not  be  used  for  constructing  a  new  building,  they  were  carried 
to  the  surplus  fund. 

This  building  has  never  been  used  for  coinage  purposes  by  the 
United  States,  it  having  always  been  OSed  a-  an  assay  office,  and  by  an 
act  of  Congress  of  February  24,  1  *'.•!»,  Is  to  continue  so  until  a  new  mint 
building  is  completed. 

The  firm  from  whom  this  building  was  purchased  used  il  a-  a  pri- 
vate coining  establishment.  They  coined  5,  10,  20,  and  50  dollar  gold 
pieces,  which  were  in  circulation  throughout  the  West. 

In  the  early  days  of  Denver  when  Indian  raids  were  anticipated 
the  building  was  used  as  a  place  of  refuge  for  women  and  children,  it 
being  the  town's  most  substantial  structure. 


\ 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


53 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  DENVER.  COLO. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  May  8,  1882,  authorized  this  building 
and  limited  the  cost  of  same  with  site  at  $300.ooo.  By  an  act  of  Feb- 
ruary 24,  1887,  this  limit  was  extended  to  $575,000.  The  appropria- 
tions were  made  by  acts  of  May  8,  1882,  March  3,  1883,  July  7,  1884, 
March  3,  1885,  March  3,  1887,  March  30,  1888  (for  extension  in  excess 
of  limit,  $00,000),  October  2,  1888,  March  2,  1889,  March  3,  1891. 
An  act  of  June  8,  lS'.tO,  appropriated  $1  .•J.'i.~>.<>(.»  for  payment  of  allow- 
ance on  account  of  interior  finish.  October  15,  1888,  a  site  was 
purchased  for  $65,000,  fronting  northwest  200  feet  on  Arapahoe  street 
and  northeast  125  feet  on  Sixteenth  street.  On  the  southeast  side  is 
an  alley  1(5  feet  wide.  A  contract  was  awarded  January  23,  1885,  for 
erection  of  the  building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
in  the  latter  part  of  L892,  the  total  cost  of  construction  being 
$570,500.52. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  gray  sandstone.  It  contains  a  cubic 
area  of  1,13S.500  feet,  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  provided  with  pas- 
senger and  freight  elevator  Ben  ice.  The  Dumber  of  rooms  occupied 
are  thirty-five,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal,  customs, 
internal-revenue,  and  secret  services.  United  States  courts,  land  office, 
and  weather  bureau. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  1892  and  18(.»!t  were  $324.!i'.»2.^8  and 
$401,580.28,  respectively,  exclusive  of  deposits  received  from  other 
post-offices.  The  internal-revenue  receipts  for  ls;»8  were  about 
1300,000.    For  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L8!>'.».  they  were  $1.2118.185.22. 

The  population  of  the  city  in  18!'0  was  loo. 718,  and  in  1900  it  was 
133,859. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDIXOS. 


55 


POST-OFFICE.  FTEHLO.  COLO, 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  7.  1M>1.  authorized  this 
building  and  it  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  :».  1SK1,  March 
2,  18!<5,  and  June  4,  ls'.tT.  The  sito  was  donated  to  the  United  States 
August  1!»,  I8i»2,  and  has  a  frontage  of  175  feet  north  on  Fifth  street, 
and  120  feet  east  on  Main  street.  The  south  side  is  bounded  by  an 
a  Hey. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  July  18, 
I8!ttf.  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  by  the  post- 
office  May  28,  1808,  the  other  branches  of  the  service  occupying  their 
quarters  during  the  following  month.  The  cost  of  construction  was 
$275,076.  98. 

The  superstructure  above  the  Colorado  red  granite  water  table  is  of 
Bedford,  End.,  limestone,  to  and  including  the  first  story  cornice; 
above  that  line  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  gray  brick,  trimmed  with  carved 
Bedford  limestone,  except  the  center  of  the  Main  street  facade,  which 
is  carried  up  entirely  of  carved  Bedford  limestone. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  806,100  feet,  and  is  heated  by 
steam  (direct  and  indirect  radiation).  The  heating  system  is  operated 
by  four  boilers,  which  also  supply  power  for  the  pumps  operating 
the  hydraulic  elevator  which  adjoins  the  lobby  at  the  Fifth  street 
entrance.  Above  the  first  floor,  which  is  occupied  entirely  by  the 
postal  service,  there  are  thirty-nine  office  rooms  which  are  assigned 
principally  to  the  United  States  courts,  customs  and  internal-revenue 
services,  land  office,  and  Weather  Bureau.  The  court  rooms  and  offices 
are  mostly  on  the  third  floor,  the  district  court  room,  which  is  in  plan 
30  feet  by  45  feet  10  inches  and  two  stories  in  height,  being  at  the  east 
end,  and  the  circuit  court  room,  which  is  of  corresponding  size,  at  the 
west  end. 

The  postal  receipts  for  the  fiscal  year  in  which  the  building  was 
Occupied  amounted  to  $44,270.21,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  Ho, 
1900,  they  were  $58,200.13.  in  18!  *o  the  population  of  the  city  was 
24,558,  and  in  1900  it  was  28,157. 


Post-Office,  Bridgeport,  Conn. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


57 


POST-OFFICE,  BRIDGEPORT.  CONN. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Cannon  and 
Broad  streets,  on  a  plat  of  ground  fronting  north  lo<»  feet  on  the 
former  and  west  155  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  March  -1.  Ikko.  for  £25.000. 
A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  September  8, 
1889,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  February,  L892, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  9125,064.98. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  erection  of  the  building  is  con- 
tained in  acts  of  Congress  approved  dune  lit.  1888,  October  2.  Inns. 
August  30,  lN'.to.  and  August  23,  1S04  (outstanding  liabilities). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Portland  brownstone  from  the  quar- 
ries at  Middlesex,  Conn.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  363,168  feet.  i< 
heated  by  steam,  and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal  and  customs 
services,  seven  rooms  and  the  first  lloor  being  assigned  in  all. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $112,716.77.  In  1800  the  population  of  the  city  was  48,866,  and  in 
1900  it  was  70,996. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  June  4,  1807.  and  July  10.  1N07,  author- 
ized and  appropriated  for  an  extension  to  the  building.  Efforts  were 
made  to  purchase  additional  land  fronting  about  24  feet  on  Cannon 
street,  but  without  success.  September  2:!.  lN'.'T,  the  Department  <>f 
Justice  was  requested  to  institute  proceedings  in  condemnation,  which 
proceedings  have  not  yet  (October.  1900,)  been  terminated. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Hartford,  Conn. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


59 


(TSTOM-HOl'SE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  HARTFORD.  CONN. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  triangular  plot  of  ground  donated  to 
the  I'nited  States  by  the  city  of  Hartford  by  deed  recorded  August  7. 
1*73.  The  base  of  the  triangle  is  on  the  west,  and  is  146  feet  long, 
while  the  sides  are  each  about  160  feet  long.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  State  street,  on  the  east  by  American  row.  on  the  south  by 
Central  row.  and  on  the  west  by  the  grounds  of  the  city  hall.  The 
main  entrance  to  the  building  is  from  the  passageway  shown  in  the 
illustration,  which  extends  from  State  street  to  Central  row  and  sepa- 
rates the  custom-house  and  post-office  building  from  the  grounds  of 
the  city  hall.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  1873,  and  the 
structure  was  completed  and  occupied  .June  2*.  ls*2.  progress  having 
been  slow  by  reason  of  inadequate  appropriations.  The  cost  of  con- 
struction was  1846,802.74. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  18,  L872,  June  LO,  L872,  dune  23.  1*74.  March  3, 
1875,  July  31.  l*7<i.  March  3.  Is77.  April  3o.  Is7s.  June  20,  1*7*. 
March  3,  1879,  dune  It!,  1**0,  March  3.  1**1.  August  7.  1**2 
(approaches),  and  March  3.  1**3  (approaches). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  granite,  that  from  Quincv.  Mass., 
being  used  for  the  basement,  and  from  Clark's  Island.  Me.,  for  the 
superstructure.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  is  equipped  with 
a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  used 
entirely  by  the  post-office,  the  number  of  rooms  assigned  are  fifteen, 
occupied  by  the  United  States  courts  and  the  customs  and  internal- 
revenue  services.    The  cubic  contents  are  *1 1.200  feet. 

The  postal  receipts  in  1**3  were  about  #138,000,  and  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1*!»!»,  they  were  #2»i(;.4Glt.33.  In  l**(l  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  42,015,  and  in  l!)0()  it  was  7!».*50. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Middletown,  Conn. 


HIBTOBX  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


61 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  MIDDLETOWN,  CONN. 

An  act  of  July  13,  1832,  authorized  the  erection  or  purchase  of  a 
custom-house  at  Middletown,  Conn.  A  site  on  the  corner  of  Main 
and  Parsonage  (now  College)  streets  was  purchased.  April  13,  1*33, 
for  the  sum  of  $1,500.  Owing  to  this  location  not  being  approved  by 
the  citizens  of  Middletown,  another  site  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of 
$2,000,  and  the  title  thereto  vested  in  the  United  Stat.-  May  22.  1*33. 
this  latter  lot  being  bounded  on  the  north  80  feet  by  Court  street,  and 
on  the  east  02  feet  by  Main  street.  The  former  piece  of  ground  was 
sold  August  24,  1833,  for  $1,500.  The  building  was  commenced 
August  1,  1834,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  October  10,  I,s34. 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $12,170.04. 

Tin;  building  was  occupied  entirely  by  the  customs  service  until 
March  31,  L841,  when  the  post-ofHce  was  installed  therein.  Subse- 
quently, in  1866-67,  alterations  were  made  to  the  structure,  including 
an  additional  story.  It  is  now  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs 
services.  The  building  is  situated  at  the  corner  of  the  two  streets, 
with  entrance  from  Main  street.  Portland.  Conn.,  brown  sandstone 
was  used  in  its  construction.  It  contains  an  area  of  1 14.2HS  cubic  feet, 
and  is  supplied  with  steam  heat  from  one  boiler. 

Appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  July  13.  ls:J,2,  March  2.  ls33.  .June  27.  1n34,  Feb- 
ruary 25,  1830,  July  2S,  1800  (repairs),  and  March  2.  1S07  (repairs). 

In  L861  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $5,000,  and  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1899,  to  |30,741.99.  In  1830  the  population  of 
the  city  was  6,892,  and  in  1900  it  was  9,589. 


62 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


63 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  NEW  HAVEN.  CONN. 

This  building  fronts  southeast  on  Church  street  and  extends  north- 
west to  Gregson  street  with  un  extension  northeasterly  along  the  latter 
to  Center  streel . 

It  was  initiated  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  W.»4. 
which  provided  for  a  custom-house  and  post-office.  00  by  s.",  feet  by  00 
feet  high,  and  the  site  was  secured  June  1,  1855,  by  purchase  for  the 
sum  of  $25,500,  it  having  a  frontage  of  120  feet  on  Church  and  (ireg- 
SOn  streets  by  131  feet  0  inches  deep. 

The  main  building,  the  facade  of  which  is  shown  in  the  illustration, 
was  constructed  under  a  contract  awarded  September  2'.i.  1S.~>.">.  and  was 
completed  February  14.  1800.  the  cost  of  construction,  furnishing, 
etc.,  being  $158.014. 5u. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  4,  1854.  June  12.  185*  (v.  11.  p.  323).  June  12.  ls58 
(v.  11,  p.  324,  furniture,  etc.),  and  June  23,  ls74  (repairs). 

Under  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  July  7.  1884,  a  contract  was  awarded 
January  27,  1885,  for  the  construction  of  a  one-story  brick  extension 
at  the  rear.  This  extension  is  the  full  width  of  the  building  and 
extends  42  feet  toward  Gregson  street.  It  was  completed  and  occupied 
about  September  1.  L885,  and  cosl  $46,947.92. 

An  additional  plot  of  ground  fronting  northwest.  38  feet  »'>  inches 
on  Gregson  street,  and  northeast,  52  feet  !•  inches  on  Center  street, 
was  purchased  March  is.  lx«.»3.  for  the  sum  of  $23, mum.  and  a  contract 
entered  into  December  11,  1893,  for  another  extension  to  the  build- 
ing. This  is  a  one-story  brick  annex  extending  northeasterly  from 
the  addition  of  1885  along  Gregson  to  Center  si  reet,  with  an  ell  l  6  by  38 
feet  southeasterly  along  the  main  structure.  It  was  completed  in 
March,  1895,  and  cost  $31,465. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  this  last  extension  and  the  latid 
therefor  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  3m.  L890, 
March  3,  181*1,  and  March  2,  1895  (heating  apparatus). 

The  first  floor  of  the  main  building  and  the  extensions  are  used  by 
the  post-office,  the  second  floor  by  the  customs  and  internal-revenue 
services,  and  the  third  floor  by  the  I'nited  States  courts.  The  build- 
ing contains  an  area  of  424.3mm  cubic  feet,  is  heated  by  steam  from 
two  boilers,  and  is  provided  with  an  electric  passenger  elevator. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increassd  from  $22,234.42  in  I8f>7  to  $2HN.- 
714.77  in  1900.  The  population  of  the  citv  in  180m  was  3!».207.  and 
in  1900  it  was  lu,s,o-_>7. 

In  1818  the  I'nited  States  purchased  for  the  sum  of  $.">,00u  the  three- 
story  brick  building  still  standing  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Water 
streets,  and  occupied  the  same  as  a  custom-house  until  the  completion 
of  the  present  custom-house  and  post  -office.  It  was  sold  May  24, 
1807,  for  the  sum  of  $8,80M.  and  is  now  known  as  "The  City  Klin 
Hotel."  Funds  for  the  purchase  of  the  property  were  transferred 
from  the  appropriation  •'Custom-houses  and  public  warehouses."  An 
appropriation  for  the  improvements  of  the  grounds  was  made  by  an 
act  approved  July  13.  1832. 


Custom- House,  New  London,  Conn. 


HISTOBY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


65 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  NEW  LONDON.  CONN. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  ea  t  side  of  Hank  street,  on  a  plot  of 
ground  with  a  frontage  of  do  feet  and  depth  of  about  159  feet,  extend- 
ing back  to  the  water  front.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  Feb- 
ruary IS,  1833,  for  the  sum  of  $3,400,  and  the  building  was  completed 
and  occupied  in  ls3f),  the  cost  of  construction  being  (14,600.  It  is 
constructed  of  granite  and  contains  an  area  of  114,000  cubic  feet.  The 
basement  is  used  for  storage  purposes,  and  the  first  and  second  floors  are 
occupied  by  the  customs  service,  pension  examiners,  weather  bureau, 
steamboat  inspectors,  and  naval  paymaster.  Artificial  heat  is  supplied 
by  stoves.  The  doors  at  the  main  entrance  to  the  building  were  made 
of  planking  taken  from  the  l\  S.  frigate  Count  it 'ufion . 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  July  13,  1832,  March  2,  1833,  dune  27.  1834,  May  8,  1840 
(repairs),  July  27.  1842  (superintendent'.-  service.-),  and  August  .~>.  1818 
(outstanding  liabilities). 

During  the  year  18!H>  the  value  of  foreign  imports  entered  at  this 
port  was  $26,413.93,  and  the  duty  collected  (3,372.95.  In  1835  the 
population  of  the  city  was  about  4,00O,  and  in  l!'ou  it  was  1  <,;j48. 

12212—01  5 


HISTORY   OV  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


67 


POST-OFFICE,  NEW  LONDON.  CONN. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  June 
20, 1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  30,  1890,  and  March 
3,  1891.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  April  3,  1893,  for  the  sum 
of  $25,000,  and  is  on  the  southwest  corner  of  State  and  Union  streets, 
with  a  north  frontage  of  120.75  feet  on  the  former  and  east  frontage 
of  120.20  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  November 
13,  181*6,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  March  L,  L898,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $49, K55. 31.  It  is  constructed  of  granite  for  the 
basement  walls,  steps,  area  copings,  etc. .  and  of  redbrick  laid  in  English 
bond  for  the  walls  of  the  superstructure.  The  cubic  contents  of  the 
building  are  1.72,318  feet. 

In  the  basement  is  located  the  steam  heating  apparatus  (operated  by 
one  low-pressure  boiler),  the  janitor's  room,  and  a  bicycle  room  at  the 
southwest  corner,  to  which  direct  access  is  obtained  by  a  basement 
stairway.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  post-oilice.  and  the  second 
floor  mostly  by  the  United  States  engineer.--'  office. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  lSHit,  the  gross  postal  receipts  aggre- 
gated $37,073.87.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  l.J>.7."»7.  and 
in  1900  it  was  L7,648. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


69 


POST-OFFICE,  DOVER,  DEL. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  February  23,  1873,  July  31,  187<>.  and  June  20.1878. 
It  is  located  on  the  east  side  of  State  street,  and  approached  direct 
by  Loockerman  street,  which  terminates  at  this  point.  Immediately 
north  of  the  building  King  street,  which  extends  in  a  northeasterly 
direction  and  cuts  off  a  corner  of  the  lot,  is  terminated  by  State  street. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  November  12.  1*7:;,  for  $10,000, 
and  has  a  frontage  of  about  120  feet  by  about  .'!"i>  feet  deep,  being 
bounded  on  the  north  by  an  alloy.  Work  on  the  building  was  com- 
menced in  1875,  and  the  first  floor  was  occupied  by  the  post-otlice  in 
1877.  The  second  story,  which  was  designed  for  use  of  the  United 
States  courts,  was  completed  in  187'.*.  It  has  not,  however,  been  used 
by  this  branch  of  the  service,  and  is  now  occupied  by  the  Dover  Public 
Library. 

The  building  is  of  red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  contain-,  an  area 
of  13*>, 000  cubic  feet,  and  cost  $51.32<>.  exclusive  of  site.  It  is  heated 
by  a  hot-water  system.  In  1878  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to 
$-f.77'.».33,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  l!»<»».  they  were 
$9,120.50.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  town  was  3,061,  and  in  l!»00 
it  was  3,329, 


70 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


71 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  WILMINGTON,  DEL. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  ( Jongress  approved  March 
3,  1885,  and  t ho  limit  of  cost  extended  l>y  an  act  of  May  .">.  1890. 
Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acta  of  August  T.  L886, 
March  3,  L891,  and  March  2,  L895. 

The  site,  which  fronts  north  17s  feet  11  inches  on  Ninth  street,  and 
IS  bounded  on  the  east  and  west,  each  L31  feet  H  inches,  by  Shipley  and 
Orange  streets,  respectively,  was  secured  April  .*>.  l^s".  by  purchase, 
for  the  sum  of  $30,000.  A  contract  was  awarded  April  11.  is'.M.  for 
the  excavation,  concrete  foundations,  basement  and  area  walls,  and 
the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  April  lo.  1  s:»7.  the  cost  of 
construction  being  #2»>!>,33JU>f>. 

It  fronts  on  Ninth  street,  is  constructed  of  Brandy  wine.  Pa.,  gran- 
ite, contains  an  area  of  (ios.ooo  cubic  feet,  i-  heated  by  steam  from 
three  boilers,  and  is  equipped  with  an  electric  passenger  elevator. 
The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  post-office,  and  the  second  by  the 
United  Suites  courts  and  court  offices,  the  third  being  assigned  princi- 
pally to  the  customs  and  internal  revenue  services  and  civil  service 
board. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  I8!»!t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $87,609.13.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  61,431,  and  in 
L900  it  was  76,508. 


72  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  etc.,  Wilmington,  Del. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


73 


CUSTOM-HOTJSE,  ETC..  WILMINGTON.  ML 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  coi  ner  of  Sixth  and  King 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  northerly  109  feet  on  the  former 
and  westerly  (>4  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  dune  .'!.  1853,  for  $3,500,  and 
the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  ls.">7.  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  $39,569.34. 

The  appropriations  On  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  :»l,  1S.">2,  March  .">.  is.".:!.  August  4.  ls">4.  and  March 
3, 1857. 

This  building  was  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services  until 
1897,  when  the  new  court-house,  post-office,  etc.,  in  this  city,  which  is 
described  on  page  71,  was  completed,  since  which  time  it  has  been 
used  for  the  storage  of  goods  in  bond. 

When  the  building  was  constructed  in  1S57  the  population  of  the 
city  was  about  15,000.    In  1900  it  was  76,508. 


HISTORY    OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


75 


BUREAU  OF  KXGRAVIMI  AND  I'KINTIXd.  WASHINGTON'.  I).  f. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  Juno  20.  ISTs.  authorized  the  construc- 
tion of  a  building  for  the  Bureau  of  Engraving  and  Printing- and  made 
an  appropriation  therefor.  On  July  9,  1878,  a  plot  of  g  round  fronting 
north  370  foot  2  inches  on  the  north  lino  of  B  street,  SW.,  and  extend- 
ing back  106  feet  11  inches  between  Fourteenth  street  on  the  east 
and  Fifteenth  street  on  the  west,  was  secured  by  purchase  for  the 
8 um  of  $27,536.50.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  immedi- 
ately, a  contract  for  excavations,  etc..  being  awarded  on  the  24th  of 
that  month,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  duly  1, 
1880.  It  was  233  feet  7  inches  bv  Us  feet  11  inches,  and  cost  about 
$310,000. 

In  order  to  obtain  necessary  space  for  auxiliary  buildings,  etc.,  an 
effort  was  made  to  secure  the  balance  of  the  ground  extending  back  to 
the  alley.  That  portion  fronting  on  Fourteenth  street,  and  extending 
back  about  185  feet,  was  purchased  August  !•,  1880,  for  K7.8<><;.35.  It 
became  necessary  to  resort  to  condemnation  proceedings  to  secure 
title  to  that  fronting  on  Fifteenth  street,  and  the  award,  in  amount 
$15,350.35,  was  paid  August  4.  IM'1.  Thus  the  site  now  has  a  frontage 
north  of  370  feet  2  inches  on  the  north  line  of  B  street,  and  extends 
back  between  Fourteenth  and  Fifteenth  streets  250  feet  5  inches  to  an 
alley,  and  cost  $50,753.20. 

In  18!»1  a  wing  60  by  86  feet  was  constructed  at  f  ho  southwest  corner 
of  the  building  at  a  cost  of  $80,000.  a  contract  for  the  work  being 
awarded  February  14  of  that  year.  Under  a  contract  awarded  June 
8,  1805.  additional  stories  were  added  to  the  boiler  house,  a  wing 
at  the  rear  of  the  main  building,  at  a  cost  of  $f>o,ooo.  which  work 
was  completed  in  the  latter  part  of  1806.  The  boilers  have  since 
boon  removed  from  this  wing,  and  the  first  story  is  now  used  for 
engines,  etc. 

Another  wing  (03  by  7'.'  feet)  is  at  present  (December,  10OO)  being 
constructed  at  the  northwest  corner  of  the  main  building  under  a  con- 
tract awarded  duly  14,  1000,  as  also  are  certain  outbuildings  (stables, 
laundry,  etc.),  along  the  line  of  Fifteenth  street,  the  contract  for  the 
latter  being  dated  September  5,  1900. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  buildings  and  ground  for  the 
Bureau  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  dune  20,  1878;  June 
10.  1880  (approaches  and  additional  land);  .March  8,  18S1  (outbuild- 
ings); August  5.  1882  (outstanding  liability);  August  7.  1882  (same); 
October  2,  L888  (land);  August  30,  1890  (southwest wing);  March  13, 
L891  (land);  August  5,  1892  (repairs);  March  3,  1893  (boiler  plant): 
August  18,  1894  (extending  boiler-house);  March  2,  1895  (same),  and 
June  6,  1900  (northwest  wing). 

Prior  to  the  occupation  of  this  building  the  Bureau  was  located  in 
the  attic  of  the  west  wing  of  the  Treasury  Department  building, 
whore,  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1878,  the  number  of  employees 
was  522,  and  the  total  number  of  sheets  produced  of  United  States 
notes,  bonds,  certificates,  stamps,  checks,  drafts,  etc.,  L3,098,756. 
During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1900,  the  corresponding  figures  were 
2.o(io  employees  and  116,909,423  sheets.  Postage  stamps  have  been 
printed  in  this  Bureau  since  July  1,  1804. 


76 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


77 


COAST  AMI  GEODETIC  SURVEY  BUILDING,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

This  building  is  located  immediately  south  of  tin-  Butler  Building, 
fronting  on  New  Jersey  avenue  and  extending  back  to  South  Capitol 
street.  It  was  purchased,  together  with  the  land.  September  21, 1891, 
for  the  sum  of  $1.55.000,  the  site  fronting  east  !'.»!»  feet  <>  inches  on 
New  Jersey  avenue,  west  199  feet  on  South  Capitol  street,  and  being 
about  200  feet  deep.  The  legislation  authorizing  the  purchase  of  the 
property  is  contained  in  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1891. 
In  1871  the  building  was  rented  for  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey, 
by  which  branch  of  the  service  it  has  since  been  occupied.  It  i-  pro- 
vided with  steam  heat  from  two  horizontal  boilers  and  is  equipped 
with  a  freight  elevator.  On  the  south  side  of  the  lot  are  located 
several  small  auxiliary  structures  used  by  the  Survey. 

This  main  building  is  connected  with  the  stone  structure  adjoining 
by  two  wooden  bridges  portions  of  the  latter  being  used  by  the  Sun  ey, 
as  indicated  under  the  heading"!".  S.  Marine  Hospital  Bureau  (Butler 
building) "  on  page  8 1 . 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


79 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  WASHINGTON.  I).  C 

This  building  is  located  on  the  east  >i<l<>  of  Thirty-first  street  about 
midway  between  M  and  N  streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  feet  i>  inches 
square. 

It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  bj  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  August  Is,  1  S5»>.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  March 
27,  1857,  for  the  sum  of  $5.uo<t,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  early  in  the  following  year,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$55,308.15.  It  is  constructed  of  granite  from  Port  Deposit,  Md.. 
contains  an  area  of  130,000  cubic  feet  and  is  supplied  with  steam  heat 
from  one  horizontal  boiler.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  a  branch 
post-office  and  the  second  by  the  customs  service,  the  basement  being 
used  principally  for  the  heating  plant  and  the  storage  of  goods  in  bond. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  l.S!>!»,  the  value  of  imported  goods 
received  through  this  custom-house  aggregated  (209,120.36,  and  the 
duties  collected  amounted  to  &ll7.S.")t>.  lit. 


HItiTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


81 


V,  S.  MARINE  HOSPITAL  BUR  HAT  HU'TLKK  lil'IMUMi). 
WASHINGTON,  D,  C. 

This  property  was  purchased  April  1<>,  18!)1.  from  Hon.  Benjamin 
F.  Butler,  for  the  sum  of  &27r>.0<>0,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  March  3,  1891.  The  land  has  a  frontage  of  119  feet  •'!  inches 
north  on  B  street  southeast,  no  feet  east  on  New  Jersey  avenue,  and 
97  feet  west  on  South  Capitol  street.  The  building  was  constructed 
about  1884-85  of  granite  from  Cape  Ann.  Mass.,  and  comprises  three 
sections  separated  by  thick  brick  walls,  each  of  which  was  used  as  a 
residence. 

That  portion  fronting  on  B  street  i- occupied  by  the  Marine-Hos- 
pital Service  and  the  other  two  sections  by  the  Coast  and  Geodetic 
Survey,  the  central  as  a  library,  etc.,  and  the  rear  for  the  storage  of 
maps  of  surveys.  These  two  latter  buildings  have  entrances  from  New 
Jersey  avenue.  For  the  convenience  of  the  occupants  doorways  have 
been  cut  in  the  walls  between  these  buildings,  thus  affording  direct 
communication.  The  entire  building  is  heated  by  steam  from  two 
horizontal  boilers  located  in  the  .Marine-Hospital  portion. 

The  small  brick  structure  shown  in  the  illustration  at  the  west  side 
of  this  building  was  constructed  in  L891  from  the  Marine-Hospital 
fund,  and  is  used  by  that  Bureau  for  the  storage  of  records.  There  IS 
also  located  farther  back  on  the  line  of  South  Capitol  street  another 
brick  structure,  used  by  the  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  as  a  photo- 
graph gallery. 

12242—01  ■•; 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


83 


TREASURY  DEPARTMENT.  WASHINGTON.  I).  C. 

The  Treasury  Department  was  established  by  an  act  passed  by  the 
First  Congress,  and  approved  September  2,  L789.  When  the  seat  of 
Government  was  removed  from  Philadelphia  to  Washington  in  1*00 
the  Department  was  installed  in  a  small  wooden  building,  which  was 
designed  for  the  purpose  by  George  Hatfield,  an  English  architect, 
and  was  completed  in  175W.  It  was  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  site 
of  the  present  building,  fronting  on  Fifteenth  street.  In  1801  it  was 
partially  destroyed  by  tire,  and  in  1814  was  completely  burned  at  the 
hands  of  the  British,  and  most  of  the  tiles  and  documents  destroyed. 
Another  building  was  speedily  constructed,  and  this  also  was  destroyed 
by  fire  on  March  HI,  1833.  This  time  most  of  the  documents  of  value 
were  removed  by  the  clerks. 

After  some  delay  a  new  building,  the  nucleus  of  the  present,  was 
authorized  by  Congress,  which,  by  an  act  approved  July  4.  L836,  pro- 
vided that  the  President  eau.se  a  site  to  be  selected  and  a  fireproof 
building  constructed  thereon  of  such  dimensions  as  may  be  required, 
upon  such  plans  and  of  such  materials  as  he  deemed  most  advantageous. 
This  act  carried  with  it  an  appropriation  of  fcloo.ooo  for  the  com- 
mencement of  the  work.  It  was  purposed  by  those  in  charge  to  locate' 
the  building  in  such  position  as  to  admit  of  an  uninterrupted  view 
along  Pennsylvania  avenue  from  the  Capitol  to  the  White  House. 
As  the  story  goes,  however,  President  Jackson,  becoming  impatient 
at  the  delay  in  the  selection  of  the  site,  walked  over  the  ground  one 
morning,  and  planting  his  cane  in  the  oortheast  corner,  said:  Here, 
right  here,  I  want  the  corner  stone  laid."  Whether  or  not  the  site 
was  selected  in  the  manner  described,  Robert  Mills,  the  architect, 
before  a  committee  of  Congress  in  1838.  stated  that  "the  precise  posi- 
tion of  the  building  had  been  determined  bv  the  positive  directions  of 
the  late  President/' 

Work  was  commenced  soon  afterwards,  the  sandstone  which  was 
used  being  obtained  from  Acquia  ( 'reek.  Virginia,  and  was  prosecuted 
apparently  without  any  definite  plan  or  estimate  other  than  to  con- 
struct a  handsome  building  without  regard  to  cost.  On  March 
1838,  a  vigorous  report  was  presented  to  Congress  by  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  which  had  called  to  its  assistance 
Mr.  Thomas  V.  Walter,  an  architect  from  Philadelphia,  condemning 
the  then  unfinished  building  on  account  of  its  location,  plan,  and  the 
materials  introduced  into  its  construction,  and  stating  that  the  design, 
if  carried  out,  would  necessitate  the  removal  of  the  State  Department 
building,  which  then  occupied  the  position  of  the  north  wing  of  the 
present  Treasury  building.  The  committee  went  so  far  as  to  submit 
a  bill  providing  for  the  removal  of  the  walls  of  the  structure  and  the 
use  of  the  materials  in  the  construction  of  a  fireproof  building  for  the 
Post-Office  Department,  to  replace  that  recently  burned.  Work  was 
suspended  pending  action  on  this  bill,  and  after  some  discussion  in 
Congress  the  matter  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Operations  were  then  resumed,  they  being  under  the  general  super- 
vision of  the  Secretary  of  State,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  Sec- 
retary of  War,  and  by  August,  L839,  the  building  was  so  far  completed 
that  it  was  occupied  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  the  Register, 
the  First  Comptroller,  the  Attorney -General,  the  Solicitor,  and  the 
Commissioner  of  the  General  Land  Office. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


85 


The  main  corridor,  extending  north  and  south  along  Fifteenth  street, 
was  34-0  feet  long, and  that  extending  east  and  west  was  !7o  feet  long, 
there,  being  in  all  150  rooms,  most  of  them  small,  with  groined  ceilings, 
and  the  corridors  narrow,  resting  on  hand  arches  sprung  from  the 
partition  walls.  When  finally  completed  in  1842  the  cost  was  *<!<>o,773. 
The  architect's  plans  were  much  more  extensive  and  elaborate,  and 
contemplated  a  building  costing  about  $l,5oo.ooo. 

Soon  afterwards,  however,  the  rapid  growth  of  the  Department 
demanded  additional  space,  and.  by  an  act  approved  March  3,  1855, 
Congress  authorized  the  continuation  of  the  building  upon  plans  pre- 
pared by  Thomas  V.  Walter,  and  made  an  appropriation  of  S3oo.<mm) 
on  account  of  the  same.  Work  was  commenced  in  duly.  1S55,  and  in 
September,  18<31,  the  south  wing  was  completed  and  occupied. 

After  the  outbreak  of  the  civil  war  operations  were  suspended  for  a 
while,  but  were  again  resumed,  and  by  lKt>4  the  west  wing  had  been 
completed  and  extended  up  to  the  line  of  the  present  north  facade. 
Immediately  adjoining  this  wing,  at  the  north  end  of  its  east  wall,  was 
the  western!  of  the  old  State.  Department  building.  In  November.  1  >••><>. 
this  building  was  vacated  by  that  Department,  and  it  was  Immediately 
demolished, the  work  of  laying  the  foundation  of  the  new  north  wing 
being  commenced  in  April,  1m>7.  In  istilt  this  wing  was  finished,  thus 
completing  the  building  as  it  stands,  at  a  total  cost  of  *•>.  1  27. 4i'>.">.. 

It  is  an  imposing  structure  of  Grecian  architecture.  20o  by  -bit!  feet, 
and  consisting  of  a  basement,  subbasement,  three  stories,  and  an  attic. 
The  north,  west,  and  south  facades  arc  adorned  with  large  porticos,  the 
pediments  of  which  are  supported  by  eight  huge  monolithic  granite  <  ■<  >l- 
omnsof  the  Ionic  order,  while  the  east  facade  is  ornamented  by  a  lofty 
colonnade  of  thirty  massive  Ionic  sandstone  columns.  The  granite 
pillars,  as  well  as  all  granite  pilasters  and  blocks  used  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  north,  west,  and  south  wings,  were  quarried  on  Dix  Island, 
near  Rockland,  Me.,  and  brought  to  Washington  in  -ailing  vessels. 

The  subbasement  extends  under  these  three  new  wings,  and  is  used 
principally  by  boiler  and  engine  rooms,  carpenter  and  plumbing  shops, 
and  for  Hies  of  Department  records. 

The  basement,  first,  second,  and  third  stories  are  occupied  almost 
exclusively  by  offices,  and  the  attic  by  the  branch  printing  office,  tiles, 
library,  etc.  Exclusive  of  attic  and  subbasement.  there  are  3lo  room-. 
The  number  of  employees  in  the  building  i-.  approximately,  2,000. 

The  cash  room,  which  is  72  by  34-  feet  and  30  feet  high,  is  in  the 
north  wing  on  the  first  floor,  directly  opposite  the  entrance.  This 
room  is  lined  throughout  with  marble,  and  is  one  of  the  handsomest 
for  the  purpose  in  existence. 

In  the,  south  court  is  located  a  commodious  one-story  structure  used 
as  a  drafting  room  in  connection  with  the  Supervising  Architect's 
Office.  This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved 
August  30,  1890,  and  was  constructed  under  a  contract  awarded  Feb- 
ruary 9,  L891,  the  work  being  completed  during  the  summer  of  that 
year,  at  a  cost  of  $25,000. 

The  Treasury  building,  with  the  exception  of  this  drafting  room, 
which  has  steam  heat,  is  heated  by  hot  water  furnished  by  six  boiler-, 
one  battery  being  in  the  south  and  the  other  in  the  north  half  of  the 
west  wing.  There  are  under  the  north  and  south  courts  two  batteries 
of  six  high-pressure  boilers,  which  furnish  power  for  seven  engines 
and  eight  pumps,  four  of  which  pumps  operate  four  hydraulic  eleva- 
tors— three  passenger  and  one  freight. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDLNOs. 


87 


WIN  I)  EH  lU'lUiINli.  WASHINGTON.  T).  C. 

This  building,  located  <>n  tin-  northwest  corner  of  Seventeenth  and 
F streets,  was  constructed  in  1848  by  W.  II.  Winder,  and  rented  by 
the  Government  until  L854,  w  hen  it  was  purchased  t*< >r  the  sum  of 
$200. Ooo  under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  August  4  of 
that  year,  [t  was  occupied  by  offices  of  the  War  Department  jointly 
with  the  Second  Auditor's  office  (now  office  of  the  Auditor  for  the  War 
Department)  until  ISSN,  when  the  former  were  transferred  to  1 1 1 < -  State, 
War,  and  Navy  building  and  the  Winder  building  assigned  entirely  to 
the  latter.  The  structure  is  of  brick  throughout,  except  stone  base- 
ment walls,  the  floors  being  carried  on  brick  arches  sprung  from  iron 
beams  about  fs  feet  apart.  The  corridors  have  barrel  arches  sprung 
from  partition  walls. 

The  building  is  heated  by  Indirect  radiation  from  chambers  located 
in  the  basement,  and  is  equipped  with  a  hydraulic  elevator.  Power 
and  heat  are  obtained  from  four  horizontal  boilers. 


88 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Custom-House,  etc.,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


89 


POST-OFFICE,  CUSTOM-HOUSE.  ETC..  JACKSONVILLE.  FLA. 

This  building1  was  authorized  and  the  limit  of  cost  fixed  by  an  aet  of 
Congress  approved  July  ISStJ.  which  limit  was  extended  by  an  act 
of  June  ;>.  ls'.io.  Inder  date  of  September  17.  L888,  the  site  was 
secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of  £-±0.000.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
west  2K)  feet  by  Hogan  street,  and  on  the  north  and  south  105  feet 
each  by  Adams  and  Forsyth  streets.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of 
the  building  was  awarded  April  8,  1892,  and  the  structure  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  1895,  the  cost  of  construction  being  S2:>.">.:>7  < >.4»>. 
The  main  facade  is  on  Hogan  street,  the  entrance  through  the  heini- 
cycle  being  from  Forsyth  street.  The  appropriations  on  its  account 
were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1887;  October  2, 
1888;  March  3,  1891:  July  1.  1898  (outbuilding),  and  July  7.  1  s:»s 
(outstanding  liabilities). 

This  building  is  of  Georgia  marble  and  has  a  cubic  area  of  7'.C>. 
feet.    It  is  heated  by  steam  and  provided  with  a  passenger  elevator. 
Twenty-eight  rooms  are  assigned,  occupied  principally  by  postal,  cus- 
toms, and  internal-revenue  services,  I  nited  States  courts,  and  inspec- 
tors of  steam  vessels. 

In  IS1.*.")  the  postal  receipts  aggregated  siIlV.i.no,  and  during  the  year 
ended  June  Ho.  ls'.i'.t,  they  amounted  toS!»!>.i;-±:>.7o.  Jn  lN'tothe  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  L7.201.  and  in  1"»00  it  was  i>S. ':>y. 


90 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


91 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  KEY  WEST,  FLA. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Front  and  Greene  streets, 
facing  east  on  the  former  and  overlooking  the  harbor  on  the  west. 

Under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2,  1833,  an 
irregular-shaped  lot.  bounded  on  the  north  by  Whitehead  street,  cast 
by  Front  street,  south  by  Greene  street,  and  on  the  west  by  the  water, 
on  which  was  situated  an  old  frame  custom-house,  was  secured  by  pur- 
chase September  13.  1S33.  for  the  sum  of  $4,000.  The  old  custom- 
house was  maintained  and  occupied  until  removed  to  give  space  for 
the  present  building. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  present  building  was  awarded  De- 
cember 15,  1888,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the 
latter  part  of  1891,  the  cost  of  construction,  together  with  building  a 
seawall,  being  $107, 955. 96.  It  rests  on  a  pile  foundation,  is  constructed 
of  red  brick  with  stone  and  terracotta  trimmings,  and  contains  an  area 
of  354,031  cubic  feet.'  The  building  is  on  a  slight  elevation  facing  a 
small  triangular  park,  known  as  .Monument  Square,  formed  by  the  inter- 
section of  the  three  streets  above  named.  At  the  rear  the  ground  slopes 
to  the  beach.  A  broad  piazza  extends  around  building  at  the  tirst-noor 
line,  from  the  rear  of  which  may  be  seen  the  shipping  as  it  passes  Sand 
Key  light-house  and  old  Fort  Taylor  to  and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services.  On 
the  second  story,  reached  by  a  broad  flight  of  stairs,  are  located  the 
court  room  and  court  offices,  and  on  the  third  floor  the  light-house 
inspector  and  other  Government  officials  have  their  offices. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  28,  1885,  March  3,  1887,  and  March  2,  1889,  the 
last  being  for  sea  wall. 

On  the  north  side  of  w  hat  was  originally  the  custom-house  lot  have 
been  constructed  a  naval  storehouse,  cisterns  for  the  supply  of  naval 
vessels  with  fresh  water,  and  a  large  distilling  plant.  Extending  west  - 
w  ard  to  deep  water  are  a  new  steel  wharf  and  steel  coaling  sheds,  w  ith 
facilities  for  coaling  vessels  belonging  to  the  naval  establishment.  At 
southwest  corner  of  lot  isa  frame  blacksmith  shop,  and.  extending  from 
the  sea  wall  westerly  to  deep  water,  is  a  wooden  wharf  with  large,  store- 
house erected  thereon,  all  belonging  to  the  light-house  establishment. 
At  rear  of  the  court-house,  post-office,  etc.,  stands  a  partly  dilapidated 
two-story  wooden  structure,  which  w  as  formerly  occupied  as  a  dwelling 
by  the  inspector,  hut  is  now  used  for  the  storage  of  light-house  supplies. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  ls'.c.t.  the  postal  receipts  at  Key 
West  amounted  to  £l4,l!)i!.80.  In  18!»0  the  population  of  the  city  was 
18,080,  and  in  1900  it  was  17. 1U. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  August  18,  1856,  and  March  3,  1857, 
authorized  the  purchase  of  a  site  and  the  construction  of  a  court-house 
and  post-office  and  appropriated  $44.ono  for  the  same.  May  4,  1858,  a 
lot  150  feet  square,  bounded  on  the  north  by  Caroline  street  and  on  the 
east  liy  Whitehead  street,  was  secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of  £3. oik). 
The  balance  of  the  appropriation  was  transferred  to  the  surplus  fund 
of  the  Treasury  in  1868-69.  No  improvements  have  since  been  made 
on  the  land  by  the  ( iovernment.  There  are.  however,  two  small  wooden 
structures  on  the  lot,  one  elected  and  used  a  number  of  years  ago  by 
the  then  postmaster  as  an  office,  w  hich  has  since  been  converted  into  a 
lawyer's  office  and  kept  in  fairly  good  repair.  Th^  other  building  is 
somew  hat  dilapidated  and  is  used  as  an  office  by  a  justice  of  the  peace. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


93 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  PFXSACOLA.  FLA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  coi  ner  of  Palafox  and 
Government  .streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  east  171  feet 
5  inches  on  the  former  and  south  160  feet  5  inches  on  the  latter.  It 
was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  July  30,  1884,  for  the  base- 
ment and  superstructure,  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  February  1.  18*7,  the  cost  of  construction  being  Sls7.2S4.34. 

It  is  constructed  of  Bowling  Green  (Ky.)  limestone  and  its  cubical 
contents  are  569,726  feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  In-  the 
post-office,  and  the  second  and  third  floors  principally  by  the  customs 
service,  United  States  courts,  and  weather  bureau.  The  building  is 
heated  by  a  hot-water  system  operated  by  one  boiler. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  10,  1882,  March  3,  1K83.  and  August  4.  lssti. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  .this  building  the  Government  owned 
and  occupied  as  a  custom-house  and  post-ollice  a  brick  structure 
located  on  a  portion  of  this  land,  which  building  was  destroyed  by 
fire  December  11,  1880.  The  site  for  the  same  fronted  about  su  feet 
on  Government  street  and  171  feet  5  inches  on  Palafox  street.  It 
was  ceded  by  Spain  in  1S21  and  was  transferred  from  the  War 
Department  to  the  Treasury  June  7.  ls;>4.  The  additional  land 
required  in  connection  with  the  present  building  was  purchased  May 
14,  lss:i,  and  February  lit,  lss-t.  for  the  sum  of  81'.'. "«»«'. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  construction  of  the  old  building 
were  made  by  acts  of  March  3, 1855,  August  18, 1856,  and  June  12, 1858. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  1887,  and  June  :-!o,  11*00,  the  value 
of  the  exports  entered  at  this  port  amounted  to  $2. 0(57,371  and 
$14,31)1.358,  respectively.  During  the  year  ended  dune  3o.  lsmt,  the 
postal  receipts  were  £21.s;><;.<>:$.  In  lsso  the  population  of  the  city 
was  6.845,  and  in  11*00  it  was  17,747. 


HISIOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDLNOS. 


95 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  ST.  AUOI'STIXF,  FLA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  a  Mock  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Cathedral  street.  east  by  St.  George  street,  south  by 
King  street,  and  west  by  Cordova  street.  It  was  constructed  by  the 
Spanish  Government  prior  to  the  acquisition  of  the  State  of  Florida 
by  the  United  States  in  1X21,  and  was  used  originally  as  a  "governor's 
palace."  Alterations  were  made  under  authority  of  an  act  of  ( iongTOSS 
approved  June  2o,  1832;  also  extensive  repairs  were  made  during  the 
years  1886  and  18X7.  the  latter  amounting  to  about  $10,000. 

The  remainder  of  this  block  of  ground  was  transferred  to  the  city 
by  an  act  of  February  11,  lXDo,  for  use  as  a  public  park.  This  act 
also  authorized  the  extension  of  Cathedral  street  across  the  Govern- 
ment property,  reserving  in  each  case  the  right  to  resume  possession 
of  the  land  if  deemed  necessary,  and  making  a  condition  of  the  transfer 
that  the  city  of  St.  Augustine  keep  the  bounding  streets  and  sidewalks 
in  repair  and  improve  and  maintain  the  park. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  rock  popularly  known  as  "coquina" 
(the  Spanish  word  for  shell),  from  a  quarry  about  2  miles  from  St. 
Augustine,  operated  in  the  eighteenth  century.  The  cubic  contents  of 
the  structure  are  107,100  feet.  It  is  heated  by  open  grates  and  stoves, 
and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  customs  services  and 

United  States  engineers. 

In  1X1)0  the  population  of  the  city  was  4.742.  and  in  J.900i1  was  1,272. 
During  the  year  ended  dune  :■*»(»,  lxttlt,  the gross  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  £14,125.85. 

The  Government  owns  a  lot  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Cathedral 
and  Charlotte  streets,  about  a  block  from  the  court-house  and  post- 
office,  known  as  the  "old  custom-house  lot." 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  lX'.tlt,  authorized  the  exchange 
of  this  lot  for  a  piece  of  ground  adjoining  the  military  reservation  in 
the  city.  Negotiations  for  the  transfer  have  been  commenced,  and  the 
Treasury  Department  is  now  (December,  L900)  awaiting  proof  of  title 
to  the  land  to  be  acquired. 


H18T0BI  UF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


97 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  TALLAHASSFF.  FLA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  June- 7,  1888,  authorized  this  building 
and  made  an  appropriation  on  its  account.  Subsequent  appropriations 
were  made  by  acts  of  August  23,  18i»4,  and  March  22,  ls<X>.  the  last 
being  for  sewer  and  completion  of  heating  plant.  In  lss'.t  a  site  was 
selected  on  the  southeast  corner  of  McCarthy  and  Adams  streets,  with 
a  frontage  of  130  feet  north  on  the  former  and  14(5  feet  west  on  the 
latter.  Upon  an  examination  of  the  papers  the  title  was  pronounced 
defective  by  the  Attorney-General,  and  in  order  to  vest  in  the  Govern- 
ment a  clear  title  to  the  land,  condemnation  proceedings  were  instituted 
and  the  deed  executed  by  the  United  States  marshal.  May  10.  L891, 
the  amount  of  the  award  being  £8.t>:!±:J»r). 

On  April  !*,  1892,  a  proposal  was  accepted  for  the  excavation,  tem- 
porary drainage,  etc.,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
July,  1895,  the  cost  of  construction  being  #N0,s,s:J,.t;o.  It  is  constructed 
of  red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  contains  an  area  of  :>11.4o4  cubic 
feet,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-ofliee,  land  oHice,  and  I  nited  States 
courts.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  from  one  boiler.  There  are  also  nine 
open  fireplaces  distributed  throughout  the  building. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-oflico  amounted  to  about  Ss.ooo  in 
18!»r>,  and  to  *S,t;;t4.4s  during  the  year  ended  .Tune  Mo.  ls<»!t.  In  IS'.MJ 
the  population  of  the  city  was  2.'.i:!4.  and  in  1900  it  was  2,981. 

12242— (tl  7 


98 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


99 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  ATLANTA.  OA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  12,  1873,  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  a  brick  building  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  limited  the  cost  at 
$110,000,  and  made  an  appropriation  therefor. 

An  act  of  June  23r  1874,  extended  the  limit  of  cost  to  $250.ooo. 

An  act  of  March  3, 1875  (vol.  18,  p.  50<i),  authorized  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  to  use  his  discretion  in  the  selection  of  materials. 

Subsequent  appropriations  for  the  original  building  were  approved 
March  3,  1875  (vol.  18,  p.  394),  July  31, 1870.  March  2,  1877.  June  20, 
1878,  March  3,  1879,  and  June  16,1880. 

The  site  for  the  building  was  donated  by  the  city  of  Atlanta,  August 
5,  1875.  It  is  bounded  on  the  southeast  llo  feet? 6  inches  by  Forsyth 
street,  southwest  201  feet  G  inches  by  Marietta  street,  northwest  105 
feet  0  inches  by  Farley  street,  and  on  the  northeast  301  feet  »!  inches 
by  an  alley.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  summer  of 
1876.  the  structure  being  occupied  in  1880.  The  cost  of  construction 
as  originally  completed  (including  approaches)  was  $273.7:'>4.5o.  The 
principal  entrances  are  from  Marietta  and  Forsyth  streets. 

The  enlargement  and  improvement  of  the  building  was  authorized 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  June  0.  lsss.  March  3.  1M»L  (heating 
and  repairs),  and  August  5,  1892  (repairs).  January  25,  1889,  a  con- 
tract was  awarded  for  removing  the  roof  and  upper  story  and  adding 
two  new  stories  for  $80,500,  and  constructing  a  one-story  addition  at 
the  rear  for  $lS.oii(i.  This  work  was  completed  in  the  latter  pin  t  <>t' 
1890.  In  the  fall  of  181*1  the  heating  apparatus  was  extended  to  accord 
with  these  additions,  and  further  repairs  were  made  in  the  following 
year. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  096.000  feet.  It  is  heated 
by  hot  water  and  is  provided  with  elevator  service.  The  number  of 
rooms  occupied  are  forty-nine,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
internal-revenue  and  customs  services,  and  the  United  States  courts. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  the  years  ended  June  30, 1880,  and  June 
30, 1899,  were  $59.409. 09 and  $290,089.80  respectively,  and  the  internal- 
revenue  receipts  for  the  same  periods,  $:>22.o74. 18  and  $941. 720. 3i ». 
The  receipts  from  customs  during  the  fiscal  year  1899  were  $9,581. 04. 
In  1880  the  population  of  Atlanta  was  37.409  and  in  1900  it  was  89,872. 


100 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


101 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  AUGUSTA.  OA. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruary 24,  L887,  and  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3,  1887, 
October  2,  1888,  and  March  3,  lS'.H,  the  last  being  for  a  heating 
apparatus.  It  is  located  on  the  .southwest  corner  of  (ireene  and 
Ninth  streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  17<»  feet  on  the  former 
and  east  253  feet  on  the  latter,  the  site  having  been  secured  by 
purchase,  October  20,  1887,  for  the  sum  of  $30,000.  A  contract  un- 
entered into  under  date  of  July  7,  1888,  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing, and  the  structure  was  completed  (except  heating  apparatus)  and 
occupied  in  181*0.  The  heating  plant  was  installed  in  1S!*1  under  a 
contract  dated  March  24  of  that  year. 

The  superstructure  is  constructed  of  red  brick  with  terra-ootta 
trimmings  and  rests  on  a  granite  base,  with  granite  entrance  steps, 
etc.  The  cost  of  the  building  (excepting  site)  was  $121,354.20.  It 
contains  a  cubic  area  of  530,412  feet,  is  heated  by  a  low-pressure 
return-circulation  steam  plant,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the 
postal  service  and  United  States  courts. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  in  1891  amounted  to  $5o,!»»>5.  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  18!»1»,  to  $(>t>.58S.22.  In  181»0  the  population 
of  the  city  was  33,300,  and  in  1900  it  was  39,441. 


102 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


103 


POST-OFFICE,  COLUMBUS,  GA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  !>.  1NH1.  authorized  the 
erection  of  a  building  at  Columbus,  (in.,  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  post-office  and  other  Government  office.-,  and  limited  the  cost  to 
$100,(100,  which  sum  was  appropriated  by  an  act  of  March  ?>.  1891. 

March  .">,  1S92,  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  120  feet  on  Twelfth 
street  and  west  147  feet  lo  inches  on  First  avenue  was  purchased  for 
the  sum  of  $14,000.  A  contract  for  the  excavation,  foundation-,  etc.. 
was  awarded  March  0,  1K!*3.  March  24,  L896,  the  Tinted  States 
assumed  charge'  of  and  proceeded  to  complete  the  work  embraced  in  a 
contract  for  interior  finish,  plumbing,  approaches,  etc.  By  Septem- 
ber, 181*0,  the  building  was  so  far  completed  a-  to  admit  of  its  occu- 
pation. Owing  to  the  complications  which  had  arisen.  Congress,  by 
acts  of  December  22,  L896,  and  January  2S,  1KJ*S,  appropriated  so.ooo 
for  the  completion  of  the  building,  and  this  work  was  all  completed  in 
January,  1S!M»,  the  cost  of  the  structure  being        *»!»S. !C>. 

An  act  of  March  2,  l.SH'.i,  authorized  the  extension  of  the  building 
and  limited  cost  of  same,  with  additional  ground,  to  $50,000.  Act  of 
March  3,  ISO'.),  appropriated  this  amount.  September  14.  1899,  addi- 
tional land  fronting  '1~  feet  lo  inches  on  Twelfth  street  and  extending 

o  to 

full  depth  of  lot  (147  feet  lo  inches),  was  purchased  for  £0.f>oo.  A 
contract  for  this  extension  (except  heating  apparatus)  was  awarded 
March  8,  1900. 

The  main  building  is  of  red  brick,  with  stone  and  terra-cotta  trim- 
mings, contains  a  cubic  space  of  2!>S,Ooo  feet,  and  i-  occupied  prin- 
cipally by  the  postal  service  and  United  States  courts.  It  is  heated 
by  furnaces  and  open  grates. 

Receipts  from  postal  business  conducted  in  the  building  during 
the  fiscal  year  lS!H>-!»7  were  *2«i.8<M).S2.  and  for  1SS»S-«M»  *:j,o.ol>:,.ns. 
The  population  of  the  city  in  1S0O  was  17.3o:i.  and  in  l'too  it  was 
17,614. 


104  HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


105 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  MACON,  GA. 

This  building  was  authorized  1>3'  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruary 26,  1885.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of 
$12,500,  the  deed  having  been  executed  August  14, 1885.  It  is  located 
on  the  east  corner  of  Third  and  Mulberry  streets,  with  a  frontage  of 
14<t  feet  northwest  on  the  former  and  120  feet  southwest  on  the  latter. 
A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  October  '11. 
1886,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1889,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  §115. 101). 153. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  act  of  Congress 
approved  March  3,  1885,  August  4.  1SS6.  March  3,  1887  (approaches), 
March  3,  1891  (sewer),  and  duly  28,  1892  (improvements). 

The  stone  to  the  top  of  the  water  table  is  Stone  Mountain  (Ga.) 
granite.  The  superstructure  is  of  red  brick,  trimmed  with  Bedford 
(Ind.)  limestone  from  the  quarry  of  Vbrifi,  Norton  &  Co.  The  building 
is  divided  into  seventeen  rooms  above  the  basement,  contains  a  cubic 
area  of  395,953  feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  supplied  from  one  boiler. 
The  first  floor  and  a  portion  of  the  basement  are  assigned  to  the  post- 
oflice,  the  second  and  most  of  the  third  floors  to  the  United  State> 
courts,  and  two  rooms  on  the  latter  floor  to  the  Weather  Bureau.  In 
February,  lS!»!t,  alterations  were  made  on  the1  tower  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  Weather  Bureau  service. 

In  1S8S  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  ^45.1  MM),  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  3<>,  1S1MI,  to  S(;l>.S(;s.47.  In  18!»o  the  population 
of  the  city  was  22.74ti.  and  in  litoo  it  was  23.272. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  March  2  and  3.  1SH1>,  authorized  the  pur- 
chase of  additional  land  and  the  erection  of  an  extension  to  the  build- 
ing and  appropriated  $58,000  therefor. 

It  is  believed  that  Congress  will  give  further  consideration  to  the 
matter  of  relieving  the  present  crowded  condition  of  the  building,  and 
action  in  the  preparation  of  plans,  etc..  has  been  deferred  pending  a 
further  expression  of  the  wishes  of  that  body. 


106 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PITKLIC  BUILDINGS. 


107 


POST-OFFICE,  ROME,  GA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  west  corner  of  Fourth  avenue  and 
East  First  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  northeast  130  feet  on 
the  former,  and  southeast  loo  feet  on  the  latter. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  January  2.  L891, 
and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  3,  L891.  The  land  was 
secured  by  purchase  July  23,  1X'.>2.  for  the  sum  of  km.ooo.  and  a  con- 
tract for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  entered  into  November  16, 
1894,  the  structure  being  completed  and  occupied  in  the  early  part  of 
1896.    The  cost  of  construction  w  as  $40,821.45. 

It  is  inclosed  with  walls  of  bull'  press  brick,  with  Bedford  (Ind.) 
limestone  and  teira-cotta  trimmings  to  match,  and  contains  an  area 
of  146,000  cubic  feet.  The  first  story  is  devoted  entirely  to  the 
postal  business,  and  contains  a  working  space  of  about  1,500  square 
feet.  The  post-office  lobby,  which,  together  with  the  Vestibules  and 
stair  hall,  is  tiled  with  marble,  extends  from  the  money-order  and 
registry  room  at  the  north  corner  along  the  northeast  and  southeast 
sides  of  the  building  to  the  postmaster's  private  office,  and  is  separated 
from  the  main  post-ollice  working  room  by  a  screen  finished  in  white 
oak.  At  the  east  corner  is  the  main  stairway  extending  \o  the  second 
floor  and  connecitng  also  with  the  basement, these  stairs  being  framed 
in  Georgia  pine  with  balusters,  hand  rail,  posts,  casings,  etc..  of  quar- 
tered white  oak.  The  second  story  is  laid  oil  into  three  rooms  occu- 
pied by  the  deputy  collector  of  internal  revenue,  letter  carriers,  and 
clerk  of  United  States  courts.  The  central  portion  is  open,  forming 
a  clerestory  over  the  post-office  working  room.  Steam  heat  is  supplied 
throughout. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  ^17,r»()1.72.  In  1890  the  population  of  the.  city  was  O.'.Cu.  and  in 
10OO  il  was  7,201. 


108 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  IUILDINOS. 


109 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  SAVANNAH.  OA. 

This  building  occupies  the  block  hounded  on  the  north,  1S3  feet, 
by  President  street;  east,  68  feet  10  inches,  by  Bull  street;  south,  183 
feet,  by  York  .street,  and  west,  68  feet  lo  inches,  by  Whitaker  street. 
The  main  facade  is  on  President  street. 

Under  an  act  of  Congress  approved  June  30,  1886,  limiting  cost  of 
site  and  building  to  §200,(100,  and  appropriations  made  by  acts  of 
August  4.  1880  (vol.  24,  p.  224).  Aug.  4,  1886  (vol.  24,  p.  348), 
(re.  fire,  limit),  October  2,  lsss,  and  March  2,  lSSi),  a  site  for  a  court- 
house and  post-office  was  purchased,  under  dates  of  August  2!*,  lsss. 
and  April  23,  lss;»,  for  the  sum  of  §3 ">,<>< to.  The  ground  is  located  on 
the  southwest  corner  of  York  and  Abercon  streets,  fronting  north 
243  feet  11  inches  on  the  former,  east  90  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded 
on  the  south  by  York  Lane,  245  feet.  A  contract  for  basement  and 
area  walls,  etc.,  was  awarded  July  !»,  ls.s'.t,  and  the  work  progressed 
until  October  IS,  1889,  at  a  cost  of  K20:59:>.!tr>,  when  it  was  suspended  by 
an  order  from  the  Department,  made  in  pursuance  of  representations 
from  citizens  of  the  city  that  Congress  would  authorize  a  more  suita- 
ble structure.  An  act  of  January  21,  1891,  increased  the  limit  of  site 
and  building  to  £400,000  and  authorized  the  purchase  of  a  new  lot  and 
the  sale  of  the  old  lot.  Accordingly  the  present  site  was  purchased 
September  30,  1891,  for  $55,000. 

An  act  of  August  f>,  1S!»2,  provided  that  the  proceeds  from  the  sale 
of  the  old  lot  should  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  new  building,  and 
an  act  of  March  3,  1893,  modified  the  act  of  January  21,  1891,  so  as  to 
provide;  for  the  sale  of  the  entire  lot.  Efforts  have  been  made  to  dis- 
pose of  this  ground,  but  up  to  the  present  time  (September,  1900)  the 
Department  has  been  unable  to  secure  a  satisfactory  price  for  the 
same. 

A  contract  for  the  basement  and  area  walls,  etc.,  of  the  present 
building  was  awarded  June  2,  18!>4,  and  the  structure  was  completed 
and  occupied  August  1 .  l.s'.i'.i.   The  cost  of  construction  was  $3N7.!'  1 1.1*7. 

The  building  is  of  Italian  renaissance  style  of  architecture  and  is 
built  of  white  Cherokee  marble  from  Pickens  County,  Ga.  It  has  an 
area  of  835, S07  cubic  feet,  is  equipped  with  an  electric  passenger  ele- 
vator, and  is  heated  by  steam  from  two  boilers  and  open  tire  places 
with  gas  logs.  There  are  thirty-two  rooms  occupied,  they  being 
assigned  principally  to  the  postal  service.  United  States  courts,  United 
States  engineers,  and  "Weather  Bureau. 

Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  March  2,  1895, 
June  11,  L896  (increase  limit),  and  June  4,  1897. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $130,189.86.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  43,189,  and  in 
1900  it  was  54,244. 


110 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   (>K   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Ill 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  ETC.,  SAVANNAH.  OA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Bay  and  Bull 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  L20  feet  on  the  former  and 
west  90  feet  on  the  latter.    It  is  hounded  on  the  south  hy  a  lane. 

The  ground  was  secured  under  dates  of  January  7.  1  >-4« >.  and  Decem- 
ber 22, 1847,  by  purchase,  for  $20,725,  and  the  building  was  completed 
and  occupied  in  1852,  the  cost  of  construction  being  ^14;».^7'.'. .">•'«.  It 
is  of  Quincy,  Mass..  granite,  contains  an  area  of  319,0<>0  cubic  feet,  and 
is  occupied  principally  by  the  customs,  internal-revenue,  and  marine- 
hospital  services  and  steamboat  inspectors.  Heat  is  furnished  from  a 
hot-air  furnace,  grates,  and  stoves. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  C'ongros 
approved  March  3.  1845,  March  3,  1*47.  August  12,  1848,  March  3, 
184!),  September  3u,  1850,  March  3,  1851,  August  4.  1854  (alterations), 
and  April  20,  1870  (repairs). 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  population  of  the  city  was 
about  14,(M)(i,  and  in  1900  it  was  54,244. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  United  States  owned 
a  custom-house  at  Savannah  which  was  constructed  in  lsl!)  on  a  lot 
purchased  in  November,  1  s  1  s .  for  Spi.ooo.  the  <<>>t  of  the  building 
being  $19, 0(H).  The  funds  for  the  same  were  transferred  from  the 
appropriation  " Custom-houses  and  public  warehouses."  The  prop- 
erty was  sold  July  20,  1S47.  under  authority  of  a  general  act  approved 
April  28,  1828. 


112 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


113 


ASSAY  OFFICE.  BOISE.  IDAHO. 

This  building  is  of  a  local  sandstone  and  is  located  at  the  center  of  a 
block  about  30<»  by  280  feet,  bounded  on  the  north  by  Idaho  street,  on 
the  south  by  Main  street,  on  the  east  by  Second  street,  and  on  the  we.-t 
by  Third  street,  the  main  front  being  on  the  south.  The  land  was 
donated  to  the  United  States  November  *>.  1st!!).  The  building  was 
commenced  in  1870 and  completed  and  occupied  in  the  following  year, 
the  actual  cost  of  construction  being  %~7,'2~>'2.  Its  cubic  contents  are 
607,»>(>6  feet. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  are  contained  in  acts 
of  Congress  approved  February  1'.'.  1S<;«.>,  May  1^.  L872,  and  March  3, 
1873,  the  last  two  being  for  extras. 

When  it  was  first  occupied  the  population  of  the  city  was  about  1 ,000, 
and  in  L900  it  was  5,957. 

In  1872  the  bullion  deposits  amounted  to  about  £lo0,oo0,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  IS'.)!),  the  bars  manufactured  of  gold  and  silver 
were  valued  at  $1,305,798.84. 


12242—01  8 


114 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Aurora,  III. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


115 


POST-OFFICE,  AURORA,  ILL. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fox  street  and 
Stolp  avenue,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  75  feet  4  inches  on 
the  former,  west  150  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the  east  15" 
feet  by  a  15  foot  <!  inch  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  November  '21,  181*1,  for  $20,000, 
and  is  on  an  island  in  the  Fox  River.  Fox  street  is  the  principal 
thoroughfare  crossing  the  island.  The  adjoining  building  shown  in 
the  illustration  is  the  city  hall,  it  being  separated  from  the  post-office 
by  tlu>  alley. 

The  post-office  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  April 
18!W,  for  basement  and  area  walls,  and  was  completed  and  occupied 
November  25,  18(.*5,  the  cost  of  construction  being  K7'.U>*i>.74. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved 
June  6,  1890,  August  30,  1890,  March  1891,  and  August  5,  1892. 
The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  2<>2,27'!  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-office  and  local  ci\  il->ervice  board. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  about  $29,000,  and  in  the  year  ended  June  30,  lNt»J».  to 
$41,070.20.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  1!U>*8.  :iml  j„  i;m m > 
it  was  24,147. 


116 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


117 


POST-OFFTCE,  BLOOMINGTON,  ILL, 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  .">.  L891,  authorized  this  build- 
ing, and  an  act  of  March  ?>,  1S!»1,  appropriated  $75,000  therefor. 

February  I'"',  1*1)2,  a  plot  of  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  for 
'$8,000,  fronting  south  88  feet  on  Jefferson  street  and  east  148  feet  on 
East  street.  The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
dune  8,  1N!>5,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  November  I,  lS'.Mi.  the 
actual  cost  of  construction  being  $<!(!, Sp).  14.  Some  modifications  w  ere 
made  in  the  drawings  in  compliance  with  an  act  of  February  •">.  L896. 

The  space  contained  within  the  walls  of  the  building  amounts  to 
2.'»2,254  cubic  feet.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  ten,  besides  the 
first  floor,  the  greater  portion  of  the  building  being  occupied  by  the 
postal  service.    It  is  provided  with  steam  heat. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  the  year  ended  dune  3o,  l.s'.i'.t.  were 
$52,044.14.  The  population  of  the  city  in  1890  was  l>o.4,s4.  and  in 
1900  it  was  28,286. 


118 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


119 


CUSTOM-HOUSI  AND  POST-OFFICE,  CAIRO,  ILL 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1857,  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  made  an  appropriation  therefor.  The  site,  which  is  irregular 
in  shape,  bounded  on  the  southeast  by  Fourteenth  street,  southwest  by 
Washington  avenue,  northwest  by  Fifteenth  street,  and  northeast  by 
Poplar  street,  was  donated  to  the  Government  May  2.  1x00.  Building 
operations  were  commenced  in  March.  1S07,  and  the  structure  un- 
completed and  occupied  July  L,  1872,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$281.044. 14. 

The  main  facade  of  the  building  shown  in  the  illustration  i-  on 
Fourteenth  street.  The  exterior  walls  are  of  Indiana  free-tone.  The 
cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  414.4<M)  feet.  It  is  heated  by  .-team 
and  open  grates,  and  is  provided  with  elevator  service. 

The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  twenty,  assigned  principally  to 
the  postal,  customs,  and  Weather  Bureau  services,  and  the  United 
States  courts. 

In  addition  to  the  act  above  noted,  funds  for  the  building  were 
transferred  from  the  appropriation  "Government  warehouses,  States 
Island,  New  York."  and  were  appropriated  by  acts  of  July  2(>.  1868; 
July  25,  1868;  March  3,  1869  (v.  15,  p.  305);  March  3.  1X6!)  (v.  15,  p. 
313);  April  20, 1870;  July  15, 1870  (v.  1*5,  p.  204);  July  15,  1870  (v.  16, 
p.  206);  March  3,  1S71  (approaches);  and  August  30,  1X!K)  (elevator). 

During  the  years  Inns  and  IX! tl)  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $18,378  and  $25,228.62,  respectively.  In  1X7<>  the  population  of 
the  city  was  6,267,  and  in  L900  it  was  12,566. 


120 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Appraisers'  Stores,  Chicago,  III. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


121 


APPRAISERS'  STORES.  CHICAGO,  ILL. 

By  an  act  of  March  ?>.  lss5.  Congress  appropriated  $50,000  for  the 
construction  of  a  building  on  land  owned  by  the  United  States  on  the 
corner  of  Fifth  avenue  and  Polk  street,  known  as  the  "Old  BridewelJ 
dock  property.*'  This  act  was  repealed  by  an  act  of  May  27.  1sm», 
which  authorized  the  sale  of  this  property,  and  made  the  proceeds 
available  for  the  purchase  of  a  site  and  erection  of  a  building.  The 
lot  was  sold  for  $205,000,  and  the  present  site,  hounded  on  the  south 
by  Harrison  and  east  by  Sherman  streets,  was  purchased  in  April, 
1887,  for  $70,000. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  February 
27,  18S9.  The  work  was  completed  at  a  total  cost  of  $:J..'U.0t'o.  1 1. 
exclusive  of  site,  and  the  building  occupied  in  November,  1891,  addi- 
tional funds  having  been  appropriated  by  an  act  of  August  U.  1SSS. 
The  material  used  in  the  facing  of  the  walls  of  the  superstructure  is  a 
brown  sandstone. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  »'»s5. 01  »5  feet,  is  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  equipped  with  one  passenger  and  two  freight  elevators. 
It  is  divided  into  fifty-three  rooms,  all  occupied  by  the  customs  service. 

During  the  first  year  of  the  occupancy  of  the  building  about 
$11,000,000  worth  of  goods  were  appraised.  For  the  fiscal  year 
ended  June  30,  l'.Mio.  the  corresponding  figures  are  about  $l.x.ooo,0oo. 
The  average  of  the  value  of  exports  and  imports  entered  at  this 
port  from  1885  to  1899  was  $8,079,040  and  918,824,157  per  annum, 
respectively. 


122 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Barge  Office,  Chicago,  III. 


HISTORY  OF  PUKLIC  BUILDINGS. 


123 


BARGE  OFFICE.  CHICAGO,  ILL. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  triangular  plot  of  ground,  at  the  junc- 
tion of  River  street  and  the  Chicago  River,  at  the  south  end  of  Rush 
street  bridge,  and  on  the  site  of  old  Fort  Dearborn.  The  ground 
fronts  about  45  feet  on  River  street,  and  the  greatest  depth  is  about 
38  feet.  The  land  was  transferred  by  the  War  Department  to  the 
Light-House  Establishment,  and  on  February  14.  lS»iS.  the  Secretary 
of  t he  Treasury  transferred  it  to  the  use  of  the  customs  service. 

On  May  l.">,  1873,  the  collector  of  customs  submitted  a  requisition 
with  plans  and  estimates  for  the  erection  of  a  brick  building  on  the 
lot  for  the  use  of  the  customs  inspectors,  and  on  July  29,  1M73. 
the  Department  awarded  a  contract  in  the  sum  of  £5.3011  for  the 
performance  of  the  work. 

The  first,  second,  and  third  floors  are  occupied  by  the  customs 
inspectors,  steamboat-inspection  service,  and  immigration  service, 
respectively. 


124 


H1ST0KY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  UUILDINUS. 


125 


TEMPORARY  POST-OFFICE,  CHICAGO,  ILL 

This  building  is  located  on  the  Lake  Front  Park  at  the  foot  of  Wash- 
ington street,  on  a  portion  of  the  site  of  the  cemetery  connected  with 
old  Fort  Dearborn.  It  faces  west  on  Michigan  avenue,  and  the  rear 
overlooks  Lake  Michigan.    By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2. 

1895,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  was  authorized  to  accept  for  tem- 
porary use  any  site  in  the  city  of  Chicago  that  may  be  offered  free  of 
cost,  and  to  erect  thereon  a  post-office  to  he  used  until  the  new  post- 
office,  court-house,  etc.,  is  completed.  In  .June.  1*95,  permission  was 
granted  for  the  erection  of  the  building  on  this  site,  and  on  the  13th 
of  the  following  month  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  construction  of 
the  building,  the  structure  being  completed  and  occupied  April  Is. 

1896.  The  cost  of  construction  was  S24'2.()!»i». 

An  act  of  July  1,  1898,  appropriated  the  sum  of  #20,000  for  the 
construction  of  a  one-story  annex,  which  sum  was  increased  £1.5. ooo 
by  an  act  of  March  3,  1899.  A  contract  was  awarded  July  7.  1*99. 
and  work  commenced,  but  by  reason  of  certain  complications  opera- 
tions were  suspended  for  a  while  and  the  completion  of  the  extension 
was  not  effected  until  late  in  1900. 

The  building  as  originally  constructed  was  4.*>7  feet  ."»  inches  by  220 
feet,  and  the  extension  is  (>.">  feet  1  \  inches  by  i'i'o  feet,  making  the 
total  length  of  the  structure  522  feet  tl^  inches  by  220  feet  wide,  with 
a  cubic  area  of  about  4,100,000  feet.  The  post-office  working  room 
extends  the  full  length  of  the  building  by  about  150  feet  wide,  with 
the  mailing  platform  along  the  east  side.  The  post-office  screen 
separating  the  working  room  from  the  corridor  is  3*10  feet  long  and 
returns  to  the  west  wall  at  the  north  and  south  entrances  on  Michigan 
avenue.  Between  the  north  and  central  entrances  and  the  corridor 
and  west  wall  is  located  the  money-order  division,  and  in  a  correspond- 
ing location  south  of  the  central  entrance  is  the  finance  division.  The 
registry  division  is  located  at  the  southwest  corner,  between  the  post- 
office  working  room  and  the  post-office  screen  as  it  returns  at  t  he  south 
entrance.  A  corridor  is  extended  around  the  central  pavilion  on  the 
second-floor  line,  along  which  are  arranged  the  offices  of  the  post- 
master and  his  assistant.  In  the  (-(Mitral  portion  of  the  pavilion  is  a 
cortile,  over  which  are  several  small  skylights  admitting  light  to  the 
working  room  below.  Direct  steam  heat  is  supplied  throughout  from 
an  apparatus  located  in  the  basement,  which  is  under  the  northeast 
corner  of  the  building. 

During  the  years  ended  June  3o.  1896,  and  June  30.  1*99,  the  gross 
postal  receipts  were  $5,204,236.  *>7  and  13 1.123.04.  respectively. 
The  population  of  Chicago  in  1880  was  503,185,  in  1890,  1,099,850,  and 
in  1900,  1,698,575. 


126 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


127 


POST-OFFICE,  DANVILLE.  ILL. 

An  act  of  January  12, 1891,  authorized  this  building  and  limited  the 
co.st  at  $100,000.  This  sum  was  appropriated  by  an  act  of  March  3, 
1891.  .January  '2.  iS'.t^,  a  site  was  secured  by  purchase  for  £l«i.5oi». 
fronting  east  14<>  feet  on  Vermilion  street  and  south  Kin  feet  on  Har- 
rison street. 

A  contract  was  awarded  May  (>,  1892,  for  the  excavations,  and  on 
December  18,  1894,  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied,  the  total 
cost  of  the  structure,  exclusive  of  site,  being  $N3.337.72.  It  is  (  (in- 
structed of  red  brick  w  ith  Bedford,  Ind.,  limestone  trimmings,  contains 
a  cubic  space  of  353,511  feet,  is  heated  by  steam  from  the  mains  of  the 
Danville  Gas  Electric  Light  and  Street  Railway  Company,  and  is  occu- 
pied by  the  postal  service. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  year  ended  June  ."><».  1899.  were 
$28,902.76.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  11,491,  and  in 
1900,  10,354.. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


129 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  I'OSF-OFFirK.  OA  LENA.  ILL. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  ( !on- 
gress  approved  August  is,  1S5<>,  and  a  supplemental  appropriation  for 
its  completion  was  made  by  an  act  of  June  12,  1858. 

May  7,  1857,  a  triangular  plot  of  ground  containing  0.253  acre,  and 
bounded  on  the  northwest  by  Commerce  street,  northeast  by  Green 
street,  and  south  by  Water  street,  was  purchased  for  &10,5<>o.  On 
October  2i),  1857,  an  arrangement  was  effected  with  the  city  of  Galena 
for  the  transfer  to  the  municipality  <>t'  triangular  sections  of  the  lot  at 
the  junctions  of  Green  and  Commerce  streets  with  Water  street,  and 
in  lieu  thereof  the  Government  secured  a  small  triangular  section  on 
Water  street,  therein-  making  the  lot  rectangular,  with  7t'>.LT>  feet  on 
Commerce  street  and  72.88  feet  on  Green  street.  The  land  slopes 
toward  the  river,  which  runs  parallel  with  Water  street. 

The  structure  is  of  limestone,  from  Nauvoo,  III.,  and  it  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  185s,  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $61,372.44.  The  main  entrance  is  on  Green  street,  there  being 
two  entrances  also  from  the  Commerce  street  side.  About  15  feet  at 
the  rear  of  the  building  is  a  small  brick  structure,  used  for  storage 
purposes. 

The  main  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  13o,ooo  feet  and  is  heated 
by  hot-water  system.  It  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and 
customs  services. 

When  it  was  constructed,  the  population  of  the  city  was  about 
7,500,  while  in  1000  it  was  5,005.  The  postal  receipt-  tor  the  fiscal 
year  ended  June  30,  L899,  were  $9,241.25. 

12242—01  9 


130 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


131 


POST-OFFICE.  GALESBTKd.  ILL. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Cherry  and 
Simmons  streets.  The  site  was  purchased  September  17.  1891,  for 
$9,500,  and  fronts  north  110  feet  on  Simmons  street,  and  east  13."}  feet 
on  Cherry  street.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was 
awarded  .March  !•.  1HH3,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
December  20,  18!'4,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being  s72.721.4tl. 
The  legislation  on  its  account  was  approved  April  26.  isito,  August  \MK 
1890,  March  3,  1891,  and  August  23,  1894. 

The  walls  of  the. basement  and  of  the  superstructure  to  the  line  of 
the  window  sills  are  of  granite.  Above  that  they  are  of  bud'  brick 
with  granite  trimmings.  The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  2*7,8  12 
feet  and  is  supplied  with  steam  heat.  It  is  occupied  throughout  by 
the  postal  service. 

The  postal  receipts  during  the  fiscal  year  Is! •>.-'.»!•  amounted  to 
&41,K*;i.85.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  15,264,  and  in 
l!t(l(i  it  was  18,607. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


133 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC..  PEORIA,  ILL. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  east  corner  of  Monroe  and  Main 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  around  fronting  northwest  180  feet  on  the  former, 
southwest  171  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the  southeast  by  an 
alley.  It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  9,  1882,  duly  7.  L884,  March  :!.  Lsxii.  June  3o.  is.st;. 
August  4.  1886,  October  2,  L888,  and  August  30,  1890  (elevator).  The 
•site  was  secured  by  purchase  October  L3,  1882,  and  March  •!  and  5, 
IScST,  for  $52,000,  the  latter  purchases  being  authorized  by  the  act  of 
June  30,  188n\  which  extended  the  limit  of  cost  of  site  and  building 
and  provided  for  an  additional  story. 

Contracts  for  the  masonry  of  basement  and  superstructure  were 
awarded  March  1.  L884,  and  March  .">.  L884,  and  the  building  was 
completed  and  occupied  in  the  spring  of  lSSlt,  the  cost  of  construction 
(including  elevator)  being  $251,833.86. 

It  is  constructed  of  bull'  Amherst  (Ohio)  sand-tone,  contains  an  area 
of  717,580  cubic  feet,  is  heated  by  steam  from  two  boiler.-,  and  i- 
equipped  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  There  are  sixteen 
rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  to  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal- 
revenue  services  and  Tinted  States  court-. 

During  the  year  ended  June  Mo.  I8!»!t.  the  gross  internal-revenue 
and  postal  receipts  amounted  to  $21  .!»22. !»<>.">. (>'.'  and  £l47.7i'>:>..">^.  respec- 
tively. In  1SS0  the  population  of  the  city  was  29,259;  in  1890,  41,024, 
and  in  L900,  .'>•'..  loo. 


1U 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDING. 


K55 


POST-OFFICE,  COCKT-HOl'SE,  ETC..  QITIXCY.  ILL. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Eighth  and 
Hampshire  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  120  feet  on  tin* 
former  and  south  180  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land  was  secured  by 
purchase  June  7,  1883,  for  the  sum  of  $15,500. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  l  sv-i. 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of 
1887,  the  cost  of  construction  being  &lt>  I .32f>.  1  5.  The  -tone  used  in 
the  walls  of  the  superstructure  is  Indiana  oolitic  limestone.  The  cubic 
contents  of  the  building  are  521,177  feet.  It  is  equipped  with  a  steam- 
heating  apparatus  operated  by  three  boilers,  and  is  occupied  by  the 
postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and  pension  examiners. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May 
9,  1882,  and  appropriations  on  account  of  its  construction  were  made 
by  acts  of  August  7,  1882,  July  7,  18*4,  March  :->,  iss:>,  and  August  1. 
1880. 

In  1887  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $40,000,  and  (luring 
the  year  ended  dune  30,  lS'.Mt,  to  £7!».!S20.95.  In  L880  the  population 
of  the  city  was  27,268,  and  in  1900  it  was  :i»'».2.~»2. 


136 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


137 


POST-OFFICE,  ROCKFORD,  ILL. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  <>i'  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruarys, 1391,  and  was  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  3.  1891.  It 
is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Green  and  Main  streets,  on  a 
plot  of  ground  fronting  north  156  feet  on  the  former,  east  14"  feel 
on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  west  by  an  alley.  The  land  was 
.secured  by  purchase  February  2,  ls!>2.  for  the  sum  of  &17.5MO.  A 
contract  was  awarded  November  3,  1SD3,  for  trench  excavation,  stone 
masonry,  etc.,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  October 
1,  1895;  the  cost  of  construction  being  ^si?.  I 14. 

It  is  constructed  of  Portage  red  sandstone,  contains  a  space  of 
186,000  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  from  one  boiler. 

The  main  floor  is  occupied  principally  by  the  post-office,  the  room 
in  the,  northeast  corner  being  assigned  to  the  internal-revenue  service. 
The  attic  is  occupied  by  the  letter  carriers  and  pension  examiner. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1809,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to$»>8,!>8*5.;>0.  In  lSlto  the  population  of  the  city  was  23,584, 
and  in  1900  it  was  31,051. 


138 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


13U 


POST-OFFICE,  ROCK  ISLAND.  ILL. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved 
December  24,  1H00,  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  :»,  1891. 
The  site  was  secured  by  condemnation  proceedings  for  the  sum  of 
$9,(100,  payment  being  made  August  !>.  lJSl»2.  It  is  situated  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Second  avenue  and  Sixteenth  street,  fronting 
north  150  feet  on  the  former,  east  L20  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded 
on  the  west  by  an  alley. 

A  contract  was  awarded  June  20,  iS'.K>,  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing, and  the  Structure  was  completed  and  occupied  December  11.  LS'.u;, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  £<>.">, 050.(1-1.  It  is  built  of  brick  with 
brownstone  trimmings,  and  contains  an  area  of  :502.(ioii  cubic  feet. 
There  are  nineteen  office  rooms  which  are  occupied  principally  by  the 
postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  the  United  States 
Engineer  Corps.  The  building  is  heated  by  steam  supplied  from  one 
boiler. 

During  the  year  ended  June  3<>,  ls'.tlt,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $48,434.74.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  13,634,  and  in 
litOO  it  was  1!),493. 


140 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS, 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  Bl'ILDlNo-. 


141 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  SPRINGFIELD.  ILL. 

This  building1  is  Located  on  tho  southeast  corner  of  Monroe  and  Sixth 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  320  feet  on  the  former  and 
west  157  feet  on  the  latter.  The  lot  is  bounded  on  the  east  157  feet 
b}*  Seventh  street  and  on  the  south  by  a  L6-foot  alley. 

The  ground  was  secured  b y  purchase  and  donat  ion  under  dates  of 
March  2,  1857,  June  2,  1869,  October  7,  1872,  and  May  12,  1885,  for 
the  aggregate  sum  of  $35,000.  The  building  was  commenced  in  18»i0 
and  completed  and  occupied  in  1869,  cost  of  construction  being 
$287,803.85. 

It  is  constructed  of  stone,  contains  an  area  of  55o.3i>0  cubic  feet,  and 
is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services. 
United  States  courts,  and  weather  bureau,  there  being  twenty-two 
rooms  assigned  to  these  branches.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  from  the 
city  plant,  as  is  also  power  for  the  operation  of  an  elevator  (electric). 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  August  18,  1856,  July  28,  1866,  July  20,  1868, 
July  25,  1868,  March  3,  1X09  (vol.  15.  p.  »»»>),  March  3,  lst',9  (vol.  15. 
p.  313),  April  20,  1870  (vol.  16,  p.  84)  (approaches).  April  2o,  ls7o 
(vol.  16,  p.  86)  (furniture),  July  15,  1870  (additional  land),  and  Feb- 
ruary 10,  1885  (additional  land). 

When  it  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipts  aggregated  about 
$25,000  annually,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  they  were 
$72,166.16.  In  1870  the  population  of  Springfield  was  17.3(J4.  and  in 
1900  it  was  34,159. 


142 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PI' HI,  10  BlILDINOS. 


143 


(TSTO.M-HOl.'SE  AND-  POST-OFFICE.  KVANSYILLE,  IND. 

In  August,  1873,  and  February,  1*74.  the  Government  secured  by 
purchase  and  condemnation,  as  a  site  for  a  custom-house  and  post- 
office,  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  3oo  feet  on  Second  street,  east 
150  feet  on  Sycamore  street,  south  300  feet  on  an  alley,  and  west  150 
feet  on  Vine  street,  the  total  cost  being  £9S,'.il<». l.">. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  summer  of  Is  7*  5  and  it 
was  completed,  except  approaches,  and  occupied  in  ls7'.».  The  cosl  of 
construction  was  $235,461.52. 

The  facade  of  the  building  is  on  Second  street.  It  is  constructed  of 
Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone,  contains  a  cubic  area  of  615,500  feet,  and  is 
heated  by  hot- water  system.  The  Dumber  of  rooms  occupied  are 
nineteen,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal-revenue  services.  United  States  courts,  inspectors  of  boilers 
and  hulls,  pension  examiners,  and  Weather  Bureau, 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  was  approved  March  3. 
1873;  June  -2'A.  Is74:  .March  :S.  Is7.">:  duly  31,  1876;  March  3,  1*77; 
.June  20,  1878 (approaches);  dune  L6,  L880 (approaches),  and  August  2. 
1882  (outstanding  Liability). 

The  following  is  a  comparative  statement  of  the  gross  receipts  from 
business  conducted  in  the  building:  Internal  revenue.  lS7'.».  s-j< i4.!ts;t.4s. 
1899,  *34N,935.«i4:  customs.  1879,  *.->.N93.43,  1899.  *17.SS4. 79;  postal. 
1879,  $28,407,26,  1899,  Ks4.144.sr>.  The  population  of  the  city  in 
1880  was  29,280,  and  in  1900  it  was  59,007. 


144 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Fort  Wayne,  Ind. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


145 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  FORT  WAYNE,  IN'D. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Berry  and  Clin- 
ton streets.  The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  August  *J4,  18*3. 
and  January  '2\.  1**7,  for  the  sum  of  $34,000.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Berry  street,  on  the  west  by  Clinton  street,  and  on  the  south 
by  a  14-foot  alley. 

Building  operations  were  commenced  early  in  1**.">.  and  the  struc- 
ture was  completed  in  1SS!)  at  a  total  cost  of  Sl!M'».:i7H. I .  exclusive  of 
site.  The  building  is  of  sandstone,  from  Sand  Point.  Mich.,  and  con- 
tains a  cubic  area  of  4»!1,07!>  feet.  It  is  heated  by  -team,  and  is  pro- 
vided with  a  passenger  elevator.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is 
ten,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services, 
United  States  courts,  and  pension  examiner. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  was  approved  August  8, 
1882,  July  7,  1884,  February  28,  1885,  March  3,  1S*:>.  May  17.  1886, 
August  4,  1886,  and  March  30,  1888. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  first  year  the  building  was 
occupied  were  about  $40,000.  During  the  fiscal  year  L*l»*-;t;t  they 
were  $87,466.39.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  :;:>.:;'.<:;.  and 
in  1900  it  was  45,115. 


l-2-2±'2— 01 


LO 


146 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


147 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  INDIANAPOLIS.  INI). 

Under  dates  of  August  20,  1856,  and  November  .">.  1856,  the  United 
States  purchased  ground  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Market  and  Penn- 
sylvania streets  for  the  sum  of  £l7.1iiO,  fronting  north  135  feet  on  the 
former  and  west  120  feet  on  the  latter.  A  three-story  building,  in 
plan  70  by  00  feet,  the  nucleus  of  the  present,  was  constructed  thereon, 
and  completed  and  occupied  in  ls<;i.  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$166,240.  August  12.  1873,  additional  ground,  fronting  <>7  feet  «i 
inches  on  Market  street,  was  purchased  for  $30,000,  and  subsequently 
the  building  was  altered  and  extended,  the  work  being  completed  in 
1S74.  Under  date  of  dune  2;"),  1889,  additional  land,  fronting  on  Penn- 
sylvania and  Court  streets,  with  improvements  known  as  the  Talbot t 
and  New  Block,  was  secured  for  the -sum  of  (148,500,  making  the  total 
cost  of  the  ground  &l!t;").660,  it  having  a  frontage  north  and  south  of 
202  feet  l)  inches  each  on  Market  and  Court  streets,  and  west  and  east 
1H8  feet  each  on  Pennsylvania  street  and  an  alley.  The  Itriek  buildings 
on  the  land  last  acquired  were  occupied  in  part  by  officers  of  the  Gov- 
ernment,  other  portions  being  rented. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  .March  3.  1S.">5.  March  3.  1  s.">7.  March  3,  L859, 
March  2,  1861,  March  3,  1863,  April  7.  1S06.  March  18,  L872,  June 
10,  1872,  March  3,  1*73,  June  22,  ls74.  March  3,  1875  (v.  18,  p.  395), 
March  3,  187.")  (v.  18,  p.  !-0S).  March  3.  1SS1  (elevator),  and  Mav  14. 
18K8  (Talbott  and  New  Block). 

The  main  structure  is  of  dressed  stone  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
594,300  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  hot-water  apparatus,  and  is 
equipped  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator. 

During  the,  year  ended  dune  30.  l.s'.Mt.  the  gross  postal  1'eceipts 
amounted  to  $431. 11."). 47.  In  1  .ST* »  the  population  of  the  citv  wa> 
48,244,  and  in  L900  it  was  L69,164. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  1.  ls'.t'.i.  which  authorized  the 
purchase  of  a  site  and  the  erection  of  a  new  court-house  and  post-office 
in  Indianapolis,  Iiid.,  provided  for  the  sale  of  this  property,  the  pro- 
ceeds to  be  applied  toward  payment  for  the  new  site.  A  proposal  for 
the  purchase  of  the  property  was  accepted  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  February  17.  L900,  the  price  being  $400,100.  The  main 
building  and  portions  of  the  Talbott  and  New  Block  continue  to  lie 
occupied  by  Government  officers,  at  a  specified  rental,  pending  the 
completion  of  the  new  court-house  and  post-office.  Resides,  the  Gov- 
ernment rents  one-half  of  the  first  floor  of  a  two-story  brick  structure 
constructed  by  the  purchasers  of  the  court-house  and  post-office  on  the 
northeast  corner  of  tin1  land  conveyed  to  them.  The  agreement  con- 
cerning the  erection  and  rental  of  this  two-story  building  was  effected 
by  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  dated  February  1">. 
L900.  The  structure  in  question  is  shown,  in  part,  in  the  illustration 
at  the  left  of  the  main  building.  The  Talbott  and  New  Block  is  also 
seen  in  part  at  the  right  of  main  building. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


149 


POST-OFFICE,  LAFAYETTE,  IND. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  May  It;.  1890,  and  appro- 
priated for  by  acta  of  August  30,  1890,  and  March  3.  lsiH. 

The  site,  which  has  a  frontage  of  13JS  feet  north  on  Kerry  street,  130 
feet  east  on  Fourth  street,  and  is  hounded  on  the  south  by  an  alley, 
was  purchased  for  #lf>.oini.  und  the  title  vested  in  the  United  States 
May  (.t.  L891. 

A  contract  was  awarded  April  23.  1S!*2.  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  which  was  completed  and  occupied  about  April  1.  1894,  the 
cost  of  construction  being £<>4. <S4.">.72.  It  isoi"  Rerea  (Ohio)  sandstone, 
and  contains  a  cubic  area  of  209,573  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam 
heat,  and  is  occupied  almost  entirely  by  the  postal  service. 

The  postal  receipts  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  1894  and  L900, 
were  $36.!>!»G.T2  and  $47,3(Jo.52,  respectively.  In  1890  the  population 
of  the  city  was  16.243,  and  in  1900  it  was  li>,llt>. 


150 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOBY  OF  PUBLIC  BUiLDI.NU-s,. 


151 


POST-OFFICE.  MADISON.  1ND. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  ad  of  Congress  approved  Doc-em- 
ber 24,  18!>o,  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  .March  3,  1891. 

The  site  was  purchased  for  18,575,  and  the  title  vested  in  the  United 
States  March  21,  1892.  The  land  fronts  north  on  Third  street  122 
feet,  east  on  West  street  171  feet  t>  inches,  and  south  on  an  alley  lt>3 
feet  lo  inches. 

A  contract  was  awarded  August  24,  1896,  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  in  October,  ls'.i?.  the  cost 
of  construction  being  ij41.213.74. 

The  building  is  of  Portage  red  sandstone,  trimmed  with  Bedford 
(Ind.)  limestone,  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of  185,  863  feet.  The  main 
facade  is  on  West  street,  there  being  an  entrance  also  on  Third  street. 
It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue 
services. 

During  the  year  ended  June  3n,  lMt'.t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $10,686.70.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  \\a>  8,986,  and  in 
1900  it  was  7,835. 


« 


152 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


153 


COURT-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE,  NEW  ALBANY,  INK. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  .southwest  corner  of  Spring  and  Upper 
First  (Pearl)  streets.  It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts 
of  Congress  approved  March  3. 1885.  and  March  3.  lssT.  The  ground 
was  secured  by  purchase  March  9,  1880,  for  $14,000,  and  fronts  north 
120  feet  on  Spring  street  and  east  110  feet  on  Upper  First  or  Pearl 
street. 

A  contract  was  awarded  January  1*.  LssT.  for  the  masonry,  and  the 
building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  September.  Inn*,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $89,816.56. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Berea  (Ohio)  sandstone,  generally, 
with  water  table,  steps,  belts  and  trimmings  of  openings  of  Bedford 
(Ind.)  limestone.  The  interior  is  finished  in  quartered  oak.  Its  cubic 
contents  are  312. 004  feet  and  it  is  divided  into  eighteen  office  rooms, 
etc.,  which  are  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue 
services,  United  States  courts,  and  pension  examiners.  The  post  -office 
occupies  the  first  and  the  courts  most  of  the  second  floor.  The  build- 
ing is  provided  with  steam  heat  supplied  by  one  boiler. 

The  adjoining  building  seen  in  the  illustration  is  the  county  court- 
house, which  is  separated  from  the  court-house  and  post-oflice  by  a  20- 
foot  alley  and  a  space  of  17  feet  0  inches  from  alley  to  post-oflice. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  §16,000  in  lsss 
to  $17,587.39  during  the  year  ended  June  30.  L899.  In  1800  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  21,050,  and  in  1000  it  was  20.028. 


154 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


155 


POST-OFFICE.  SOITH  HEM),  INI). 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Jefferson  and 
Main  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  130  feet  square,  hounded  on  the 
north  by  the  former,  and  on  the  west  bj  the  latter.  It  was  authorized 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  .January  2,  1891, 
and  March  3,  lfSlH,  respectively. 

The  site  was  secured  hy  purchase  October  24,  1891,  for  the  sum  of 
$15^000.  A  contract  was  entered  into  August  17.  1896,  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the  building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
March  28,  1898,  the  cost  of  construction  being  £.■>'.*,  7  7  l.;Vs. 

It  is  constructed  of  light  brown  brick,  with  limestone  trimmings 
and  granite  basement  walls,  contains  an  area  of  243,858  Cubic  feet,  and 
is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  service.  Steam  heat  is  supplied 
from  one  boiler. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  3<>,  bs;t'.»,  the  postal  receipts  aggre- 
gated $»i3,442.45.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  2l,sl«.»,  and 
in  1900  it  was  35,999. 


156 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Terre  Haute,  Ind. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


157 


POST-OFFICE.  FTC.  TFlih'F  HAUTE.  IND. 

This  building  18  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Cherry  and 
Seventh  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  150  feet  on  the 
former  and  east  14-0  feet  on  the  latter.  It  is  bounded  on  the  south 
150  feet  by  an  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  September  2s.  1**3,  for  £2O.0OO. 
The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  November  7, 
1884,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  1*8!',  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $lf>4.!»*56\41. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  July  7,  1882,  March  :'».  1885,  August  4.  1886,  and  March  30, 
1888. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  501,927  feet.  The  number 
of  rooms  occupied  is  fifteen,  and  they  are  used  principally  by  the 
postal  and  internal-revenue  services.  The  structure  is  heated  by 
steam  supplied  by  an  outside  plant. 

During  the  year  ended  June  Ho.  i899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $72,r.»').n.j.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  2<;.o42.  and  in 
1900  it  was  36,*!7:-5. 


158 


H1STOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


159 


POST-OFFICE,  BURLINGTON,  IOWA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Fourth  and 
Valley  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  east  121  feet  by  the 
former,  south  117  feet  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  west  and  north  by  1  ♦  S - 
foot  and  lo  foot  6  inch  alleys,  respectively.  The  ground  was  secured 
by  purchase  April  27,  1892,  for  the  sum  of  $20.ooo. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  December 
5,  1892,  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  about  dune  1.  L896,  the 
actual  cost  of  construction  being  $104,823.27. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  was  approved  May  14.  I  Situ.  August 
30,  1890,  and  March  3,  L891. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  275,869  feet.  Il  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal,  custom-,  and  internal  revenue 
services. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1896,  the  gross  receipts  from  the 
internal  revenue  and  postal  business  were  ^27s.<»4n.^'.»  and  $49,166.70, 
respectively.  In  tin;  year  1898-1*9  they  were  $1,002,795.24  and 
$52,616.29,  respectively.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
22,505,  and  in  1! too  it  was  23,201. 


160 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  Oi'  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Hil 


POST-OFFICE,  CEDAR  RAPIDS,  IOWA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  avenue 
and  Third  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  LOO  feet  on  the 
former  and  west  140  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  May  lM.  18l'l.  for  the  sum  of 
$24,000,  and  a  contract  was  awarded  June  8,  1892,  for  the  foundations 
and  basement  and  area  walls.  The  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  .January.  181*5,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $ln5.sl4.o<;. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  June  9, 
1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  3o,  1890;  March  3,  18!»1; 
and  August  5, 181*2.  Tt  contains  a  cubic  space  of  299,326  feet,  is  heated 
by  steam,  and  is  occupied  by  Che  postal  service  and  United  States 
courts,  the  first  floor  being  assigned  to  the  former  and  the  second  floor 
to  the  latter. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $(51,919.45,  and  in  the  year  ended  June  30,  18H!»,  to 
$74,692.01.  In  1S1»0  the  population  of  the  city  was  18,020  and  in  1900 
it  was  25,656. 

12242—01  11 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


163 


POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  COUNCIL  BLUFFS,  IOWA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  May  2.*>,  1NN2.  authorized  tins  building 
and  limited  the  eost.  This  limit  was  extended  by  an  act  of  March  •'!. 
1885, and  the  appropriations  were  made  by  acts  of  August  7.  1882, 
March  3,  1883,  and  March  3,  1885. 

On  December  4,  1882,  a  site  was  secured  by  purchase  for  £l2.ooo. 
bounded  120  feet  6£  inches  on  the  north  by  Broadway,  192  feet  on  the 
east  by  Sixth  street,  and  on  the  south  by  a  lti  foot  alley. 

Excavations  were  commenced  in  L884j  and  the  building  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  July  16,  1888,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being 
$23^,437.  H4. 

The  building  is  of  dressed  stone  and  rests  on  a  pile  foundation.  It 
contains  a  cubic  space  of  .">22,72b'  feet,  is  provided  with  steam  heat, 
and  is  equipped  with  elevator  service.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which 
is  used  exclusively  by  the  post-office,  the  number  of  looms  assigned  is 
10,  occupied  principally  by  the  postal,  custom.-,  and  internal-revenue 
services.  United  States  court.-,  and  pension  examiner. 

At  the  time  of  the  completion  of  the  building  the  population  of  the 
city  was  about  20,000,  while  in  the  year  L900  it  was  26,802. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  daring  the  year  ended  June  3o.  ls'i'.i,  were 
$50,943.54.  The  customs  receipts  during  the  years  ended  dune  30,  1 898 
and  L89!),  were  $1,210  and  $12,534,  respectively. 


164 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


105 


POST-OFFICE,  DAVENPORT,  IOWA. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Jan- 
uary 2»>,  1891,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  '■'>.  L891,  and 
August  18,  lfSi>4.  It  is  located  on  the  southwest  cornel-  of  Fourth  and 
Perry  streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  120  feet  on  the 
former  and  east  130  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  December  l.">.  lsl'l.  for  the 
sum  of  fto.SOO.  A  contract  for  trench  excavation  and  basement  and 
area  wads  was  awarded  February  2N,  lS'.tH,  and  the  building  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  November  <!.  1896,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$118,620.83. 

It  contains  a  cubic  area  of  3.">7.0oo  feet,  is  provided  with  steam  heat, 
and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services 
and  the  Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  years  ended  June  :J»o.  lMMJand  I'.hhi.  the  internal-revenue 
receipts  amounted  to  &lo;>, (I'M)  and  &221,4(>5.  respectively.  The  postal 
receipts  during  the  years  ended  June  30,  1897  and  1900.  were  SC,<  1.C04. 7s 
and  $77,366.81,  respectively.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
26,872  and  in  1900  it  was  35,254. 


166 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINOS. 


107 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  DES  MOINES,  IOWA. 

This  building  is  situated  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Court  avenue 
and  Fifth  .street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  132  feet  11  inches 
on  the  former,  west  133  feet  1  inch  on  the  hitter,  and  bounded  on 
the  north  and  east  by  alleys. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  January  7.  I8t'>7.  for  $15,000, 
and  the  building  as  then  constructed  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
1871,  the  cost  of  construction  being$2l7.o23.52.  The  walls  of  the  base- 
ment and  of  the  superstructure,  are  of  limestone  from  Keokuk.  Iowa, 
and  Joliet,  HI.,  respectively.  The  size  of  the  original  building  was 
80  by  12<»  feet,  two  stories  high,  and  mansard  roof.  In  L883  work  was 
commenced  on  the  construction  of  an  additional  story,  and  subse- 
quently, in  June,  1885,  on  the;  extension  at  the  north  side  of  the  struc- 
ture. All  the  work  of  extension  and  alterations  was  completed  in  the 
latter  part  of  1SS1)  at  a  cost  of  $333,000.  The  addition  is  from  a  line 
between  the  third  and  fourth  first-story  windows  on  the  Fifth  street 
side,  counting  from  the  north  end,  and  extends  hack  the  full  width  of 
the  building,  the  materials  used  being  the  same  as  in  the  original 
structure. 

As  finally  completed  the  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  1,097,500 
feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  provided  with  two  hydraulic  passen- 
ger elevators.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  used  exclusively  by  the 
post-oflice,  the  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  41.  they  heing  assigned 
principally  to  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  United 
States  courts,  pension  agency,  land  office,  and  Weather  Bureau. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  ( Jongress  approved 
July  28,  180<>;  March  2,  1867;  duly  20, 18G8;  April  20,  1870  (v.  1»*>,  p. 
85);  April  20,  1870  (v.  16,  p.  86);  July  15,  1870;  April  20,  1871;  Aug- 
ust 7,1882;  March  3,  1883;  July  7,  1884;  March  3,  18S5,  and  June  30, 
1886. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $251,525.13.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  5o,0!»3.  and  in 
L900  it  was  (i2.i:J»!t. 


Custom-House  axd  Post-Office,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


169 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFCE.  DUBUQUE.  IOWA. 

An  act  of  Congress  of  August  18,  185(>,  appropriated  820.000  for 
purchase  of  a  site  and  $88,000  for  erection  of  a  stone  building  thereon 
at  Dubuque,  Iowa,  10  per  cent  of  the  latter  amount  to  cover  architect's 
compensation. 

A  site  was  secured  by  purchase  April  !>,  1857,  for  $20,000,  fronting  102 
feet  4  inches  west  on  Locust  street,  111  feet  south  on  Ninth  street, 
and  bounded  on  the  east  by  an  alley  23  feet  wide.  Building  opera- 
tions were  commenced  soon  afterwards,  but  were  suspended  for  a  time 
during  the  civil  war,  and  the  structure  was  not  completed  until  1866. 
The  exterior  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of  limestone  from  Nauvoo, 
111.    The  cost  of  the  structure,  exclusive  of  site,  was  8174. <>s7. ."><». 

Appropriations  for  the  prosecution  and  completion  of  the  work  were 
made  by  acts  of  .March  8.  Ls.57.  March  14.  1*04,  and  April  7.  1866, 
besides  which  funds  were  transferred  from  appropriations  for  " Cus- 
tom-house,  Gloucester,  Mass.,"  "Custom-house,  San  Francisco,  Cal.," 
and  "Marine  hospital  at  Evansville,  Ind." 

In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  July  7.  1K84,  a  lot  adjoining  the  <  iovern- 
ment property,  fronting  west  about  60  feet  on  Locust  street  and  114 
feet  deep,  was  purchased  for  8.">.0(M».  and  on  January  .">.  lsstj.  a  con- 
tract was  entered  into  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  M  uch  :;.  Inn.i.  appro- 
priating 88,<HJ0  for  work  on  approaches,  which  work  was  completed 
in  the  latter  part  of  that  year. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  350,000  feet.  i-<  heated  by  steam 
supplied  by  the  Hank  and  Insurance  Building  (  \>inpan\ .  and  is  occupied 
principally  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and  the  United 
States  courts.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  i-  occupied  entirely  by 
the  post-office,  eleven  rooms  are  assigned  to  the  public  service. 

An  act  of  March  2.  1899,  authorized  the  enlargement  and  alteration 
of  the  building  at  a  limit  of  cost  of  SIoojnmi.  and  an  act  of  March 
18!1!1,  appropriated  Sjvio.uoo  <>n  account  of  the  work.  On  December 
4,  1899,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  constructing  an  extension,  three 
stories  and  basement,  fronting  59  feet  on  Locust  street  and  61  feet 
deep.  The  walls  of  this  exension  are  of  Laniont  limestone.  The 
removal  of  window  sash  and  the  debris  on  the  sidewalk,  shown  in 
the  illustration,  are  incident  to  the  performance  of  this  work.  » 

The  gross  postal  receipts  collected  in  the  building  during  the  first  year 
of  its  occupancy  were  $lt5.<>93.r>3  and  for  the  fiscal  year  lSilS-l'H  they 
were  $75,944.31.  The  receipts  of  the  odice  of  the  collector  of  internal 
revenue  for  the  fiscal  year  1898-99  were  $l,Ooo,4«>1.02.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  city  in  180G  was  about  16,000.    In  1900  it  was  36,297. 


170 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKl    OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


171 


POST-OFFK'K.  POUT  DODGE,  IOWA. 

in  pursuance  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  Januai'y  21,  [891,  and 
March  3,  1891,  u  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  110  feet  on  Central 
avenue  and  west  1-J-o  feet  on  Ninth  street  was  secured  l>y  purchase 
Augusts,  1891,  for  the  sum  of  $3,.">oo,  and  a  contract  entered  into 
September  .">.  L892,  for  the  erection  of  the  present  building  thereon. 
The  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  February,  1  sHo,  the 
actual  cost  of  construction  being  $72,849.42.  During  the  latter  part 
of  1895,  under  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  March  2,  IS'.C>,  certain  alter- 
ations were  made  in  the  attic,  increasing  the  number  of  rooms,  etc. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimming.-.  It 
contains  a  cubic  area  of  204,823  feet,  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  occu- 
pied by  the  postal  service,  United  States  courts,  and  pension  agent. 

Since,  the  occupation  of  the  building  the  annual  postal  receipts  have 
increased  from  about  $10,000  to  $20,352.43  in  the  fiscal  year  1S!»S-!W, 
and  since'  1890  the  population  of  the  city  has  increased  from  4.N71  to 
12,102  in  15)00. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Keokuk,  Iowa. 


history  OF  Pl  iiLlC  BUILDINGS. 


173 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  KEOKUK,  K)WA, 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruary ^."),  1885,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3,  1885,  July 
10,  1886,  March  30,  1888,  and  August  30,  L890. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  November  »',.  ls.s;,.  t'<>r  the;  sum  of 
$6,700,  and  has  a  frontage  of  ^'»o  feet  northeast  on  Blondeau  street 
and  140  feet  northwest  on  Seventh  street.  A.  contract  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the,  building  was  awarded  February  1.  LK87,  and  the  structure 
was  practically  completed  and  occupied  in  the  summer  of  L890,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  £l.">.">.274.'.tl.  During  the  latter  part  of 
lM'JO  and  early  in  1891  the  tower  was  extended  and  some  work  per- 
formed on  the  approaches. 

The,  basement  walls  are  of  Bedford  (Ind. )  limestone  and  the  super- 
structure of  brick  and  terra  cotta. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  413,200  feet.  It  is  provided 
with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service,  United  States 
courts,  pension  examiner,  and  Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  year  ended  June  3<»,  lN'.W,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $42,913.94.  In  IS'.M)  the  population  of  the  city  was 
14,101  and  in  1900  it  was  14,641. 


174 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


175 


POST-OFFICE,  KTC  OTTUMWA.  IOWA. 

This  building-  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  (  ougTesa  approved  August 
8,  1888,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  October  '2.  L888,  and  April  4. 
1890,  the  latter  appropriation  being  for  approaches. 

The  land  was  donated  to  the  Government  January  :.'.">.  l8S'.t,  and  has 
a  northwest  frontage  of  96  feet  on  Court  street  and  southwest  frontage 
of  132  feet  on  Third  street.  The  southeast  side  of  the  '<>t  i<  bounded 
by  a  16$-foot  alley.  A  contract  was  awarded  March  -.  L889,  for  the 
erection  of  the  building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  the  latter  part  of  ls'.'o,  the  cost  of  construction,  including 
approaches,  being  $42,263.43. 

It  is  built  of  red  brick  and  contains  an  area  of  23.^.000  cubic  feet. 
The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service,  and  the  second 
floor  principally  by  the  pension  examiners  and  deputy  marshal. 

In  the  basement  is  located  a  heating  plant  w  hich  is  not  used,  heat 
being  supplied  by  the  Ottumwa  Klectric  Company  from  a  public  heat- 
ing apparatus. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  about  $30,000  annually ,  and  have  increased  to  £3N.i»s7.">l  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  IS'.*'.'.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
14,001.  and  in  1900  it  was  18,197. 


176 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


it  r 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE.  AND  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  SIOUX  (TTV.  IOWA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Sixth  and  Doug- 
lass streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  ISO  feet  square,  bounded  <>n  the  south 
by  the  former,  on  the  west  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  north  and  east  by 
20-foot  alleys. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  January  15, 1)S91, 
and  the  land  was  secured  by  purchase  ( October  17.  L892,  for  the  sum  of 
121,000. 

A  contract  for  excavating,  foundations,  etc.,  was  awarded  October 
18,  1893,  and  the  building-  was  completed  and  occupied  by  the  post- 
office  February  14,  lN'.tT,  the  other  oflicials  moving  in  on  March  1, 
1897.    The  cost  of  construction  was  $234,906.58. 

It  is  constructed  of  Legrand  (Iowa)  limestone  for  the  basement 
and  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone  for  the  superstructure,  contains  an  area 
of  s7.">,i;4L  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  (direct  and  indirect 
radiation)  supplied  from  three  boilers.  There  are  thirty-two  rooms 
occupied,  they  being  assigned  to  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  United  States  courts.  United  States  engineer-,  and 
Weather  Bureau.  The  building  is  provided  with  a  hydraulic  passen- 
ger elevator. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  3,  1891,  August  :>.  L892,  August  L8,  1894,  March  2, 
L895,  and  dune  11.  1896. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $lo^,2r)'.t.r)2.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  :*.7.s<m;.  and  in 
L900  it  was  33,111. 


L2242— 01 


L2 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


179 


POST-OFFICE,  ATCHISON,  KANS. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May 
10,  1S90,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  Ho,  ls'.'o.  and  March 
3,  1891.  It  is  located  at  the  northeast  cornel-  of  Kansas  avenue  and 
Seventh  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  hounded  on  the  south  135  feet  by 
the  former,  on  the  west  150  feet  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  north  by  a 
15-foot  alley.  The  land  was  secured  March  19,  1891,  by  purchase,  for 
114,500. 

The  building,  which  is  of  limestone,  was  commenced  under  a  con- 
tract awarded  dune  24.  lsi»2,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  March 
15,  181)4,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being  (85,893. 1  L. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  27\K~-i'2  feet.     It  i>  healed  by 

steam  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service. 

The  receipts  of  the  post-office  amounted  to  £31.575. Hit  during  the 
year  ended  June  Ho.  L899.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
13.SH53.  and  in  l'.»oo  it  was  L5.722. 


180 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BTTTLDINOS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


181 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  FORT  SCOTT,  KANS. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  '■'>.  Ls«s5.  Aujrust  4.  L886,  January  29,  1887,  and 
March  2,  1889. 

The  site  was  donated  to  the  United  States  September  Id,  1887,  and 

is  Oil  the  southwest  corner  of  First  Street  and  Scott  avenue,  hounded 
on  the  north  120  feet  by  the  former,  on  the  east  100  feel  by  the  latter, 
and  on  the  west  by  an  lS-foot  alley. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  September 
21.  1887,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  early 
part  of  1890, the  cost  oi  construction  being  $109,454.39. 

It  is  constructed  of  red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  has  an  area  of 
356,000  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  (direct  and  indirect  radia- 
tion). The  first  and  second  floors  are  occupied  entirely  by  the  post- 
office  and  courts,  respectively. and  the  third  floor  by  branches  of  both. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  fs'.i'.i.  the  oross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $17,770.22.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
11,946,  and  in  1900  it  was  10,322. 


182 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Coukt-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Leavenworth,  Kans. 


HISTORY  OF  PIBL1C  BUILDINGS. 


183 


COURT-HOCSE,  POST-OFFICE.  ETC.,  LEAVENWORTH.  KAXS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Shawnee  and 
Fourth  .streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  l'.io  feet  1  inch  on 
the  former,  west  l:i.">  feet  H  inches  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the 
north  by  an  alley.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  December  24. 
18s:{,  for  $10,000. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  basement  and  superst  ructure  of  the 
building  was  awarded  June  21.  lss«!.  In  July,  lss'.t.  the  Hist  floor  was 
occupied  by  the  post-office,  and  the  upper  floors,  except  the  fourth, 
were  occupied  in  dune,  IS!))).  The  cost  of  the  budding,  exclusive  of 
land,  was  Kll>8.s7o.!i2.  The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in 
acts  of  Congress  approved  August  7,  18S2,  March  3.  1SS3,  July  7.  Iss4. 
March  3,  1885,  August  4,  1886,  March  30,  1888.  April  4.  1890,  and 
March  3,  lS'.tl  (fourth  story  and  elevator). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Ohio  blue  sandstone,  and  contains  a 
cubic  area  of  <!10,174  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  elevator 
.service,  and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  serv- 
ices and  United  States  courts.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  used 
entirely  by  the  post-office,  the  Dumber  of  rooms  assigned  is  fifteen. 

In  188!)  the  gross  internal-revenue  and  postal  receipts  were  $250,000 
and  $29,500,  respectively,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899, 
they  were  $944,825.37  and  #33.529.91.  In  Lts'.io  the  population  of  the 
city  was  19,768,  and  in  1900  it  was  20,735. 


184 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


185 


POST-OFFICE,  SALINA,  MS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Iron  avenue 
aud  Seventh  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  120  feet  on 
the  former,  east  loo  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  west  by  a 
10-foot  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  dune  22,  1SD1,  for  &12,<>oo,  hut 
active  building  operations  were  not  commenced  until  1895,  a  contract 
for  erection  and  completion  having  been  awarded  dune  28  of  that 
year.  The  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  October  L,  1^',<i.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $62,934.92.  It  is  constructed  of  red  brick, 
trimmed  with  Portage  (Mich.)  red  sandstone,  contains  an  area  of 
24.~t.870  cubic  feet, and  is  heated  by  .-team  from  one  boiler.  The  first 
floor  is  assigned  to  the  post-office  and  the  second  floor  to  the  United 
States  courts. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  26,  1890,  August  80,  1890,  and  March  1891. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  $14.1!»7  dining  the  year 
ended  June  30,  1896,  to  127,907  during  the  year  ended  dune  3<>.  Lin  mi. 
In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  0,14!>,  and  in  1!HM)  it  was  6,074. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Topeka,  Kans. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


187 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  TOPEKA,  KANS, 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Fifth  and  Kansas 
avenues,  on  a  plot  of  ground  150  feet  square,  hounded  on  the  south  by 
the  former,  on  the  west  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  east  by  a  20-foot  alley. 

It  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  January  11,  1879,  for 
basement  and  area  walls,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  March  1, 
1884,  the  cost  of  construction  being  £286,058.24.  The  material  used  in 
the  walls  of  the  superstructure  is  Cottonwood  Falls  (Kans.)  limestone. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  .March  3,  1875,  June  2<»,  1878,  March  3.  ls~U,  June 
It',.  1880,  March  3,  1881,  August  7,  1882,  March  3,  1883  (tower  clock), 
July  7,  18S4  (approaches),  and  August  1*,  1894  (elevator). 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  755,600  feet,  and  is  provided 
with  steam  heat  and  an  electric  passenger  elevator.  The  number  of 
rooms  occupied  is  thirty,  they  being  assigned  mostly  to  the  post- 
office  and  United  States  courts. 

The  first  purchase  of  land  on  account  of  this  building  was  made 
September  16,  1875,  when  100  feet  fronting  on  Kansas  avenue,  at  the 
corner  of  Fifth  avenue,  were  secured  for  $20,000,  one-half  of  which 
amount  was  paid  by  the  citizens  of  the  city.  Under  an  act  of  June  4. 
1897,  additional  land  was  purchased  October  19,  I8i»7,  for  £25.000. 

An  enlargement  of  the  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for 
by  acts  of  March  1,  1899,  and  March  3,  1899,  and  a  contract  for  tin- 
work  was  awarded  March  8,  1900.  The  extension  is  to  he  38  feet  10 
inches  by  112  feet  lo  inches,  constructed  on  the  north  side  of  the  build- 
ing and  carried  up  three  stories,  with  exception  of  the  center  portion, 
which  is  to  be  one  story. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  £60,000,  during  1nn4. 
to  $117,226.41  in  the  year  ended  dune  30,  lS'.t'.t.  In  l.sso  the  popula- 
tion of  the  city  was  15.4A2,  and  in  l!»oo  it  was  33,608. 


188 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office  and  Court-House,  Wichita,  Kans. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


189 


POST-OFFICE  AND  COURT-HOUSE,  WICHITA.  KANS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  <>t*  William  and 
Market  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  150  feet  square,  bounded  on  the 
south  by  the  former,  east  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  north  and  west  by 
16-foot  alleys. 

The  land  waa  scoured  by  purchase  August  18*6,  for  &l,5ou,  and  a 
contract  was  awarded  January  15,  1887,  for  the  foundations  and  base- 
ment walls.  The  building  was  occupied  August  L,  L890,  and  finally 
completed  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year,  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $206,20*.  27.  The  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of  Bedford 
(Ind.)  limestone. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 
3,  1885  (v.  23,  p.  347),  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  1**5 
(v.  23,  p.  482),  May  24,  1*86,  July  !».  18**,  and  August  3<i,  1S!»0  (heat- 
ing and  elevator). 

The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  (i77.L!»2  feet.  !t  is  heated  by 
steam  and  is  provided  with  a  passenger  elevator.  The  number  of 
rooms  occupied  is  fifteen,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal 
service  and  United  States  courts. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $57,025.35.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  23,853,  and  in 
1900  it  was  24,671. 


190 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


iyi 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  COVINGTON,  KV. 

This  building  is  situated  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  l'is  foot 
on  Third  street,  oast  14s  foot  on  Court  avenue,  south  168  feet  on  Park 
place,  and  west  14  s  feet  on  Scott  street.  The  main  entrance  is  from 
Scott  street,  there  being  side  entrances  from  Third  street  and  Park 
place. 

The  ground  was  purchased  September  25,  1873,  at  a  total  cost  of 
$30,660.55.  The  building  was  commenced  in  ls7.">.  and  it  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  January.  1879,  the  actual  cost  of  construction 
being  $264,231.01. 

It  is  constructed  of  limestone,  contains  a  cubic  space  of  7<>S.:>00  feet, 
and  is  supplied  with  steam  heat.  Twenty-nine  rooms  are  occupied, 
they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  serv- 
ices, United  States  courts,  and  pension  examiner. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  act-  of 
Congress  approved  February  17.  1873,  dune  j:;.  Is74.  and  March  '4. 
1875. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  internal-revenue 
and  postal  receipts  amounted  to  $2,495,496.23,  and  $20,000,  respec- 
tively, while  during  the  year  ended  June  .".o,  Ls'.t'.t.  they  amounted  t<> 
$3,<>72,43s.41.  and  $52,986.83.  In  L880  the  population  of  the  city  was 
29,720,  and  in  1900  it  was  42,938. 


192 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Frankfort,  Ky. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  Hl'ILDINGf*. 


193 


COURT-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE,  FRANKFORT,  KV. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Wapping  and 
St.  Clair  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  180  feet  on  the 
former  and  east  120  feet,  on  the  latter. 

The  .site  was  secured  by  purchase  April  1".  1883,  i'<>r  the  sum  of 
$17,4<t<>,  and  a  contract  for  t ho  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
April  24,  1SN4,  the  structure  being  completed  and  occupied  February 
12,  1SS7.  During  the  erection  of  the  superstructure  the  contractor 
abandoned  the  work,  and  it  was  completed  by  the  ( io\  eminent. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Dark  Hollow  Bedford  (Ind.)  lime- 
stone, and  cost  $113,407.48,  exclusive  of  site.  It  has  an  area  of  337,070 
cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  hot  water  from  one  boiler. 

The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services, 
the  second  by  the  United  States  courts,  and  the  third  by  the  offices  of 
the  United  States  engineers  and  jury  and  court  docket  rooms. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  i-  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  April  2»>,  L882,  March  .'!,  1885,  June  30,  L886, 
October  2, 18ss,  March  2, 1889, and  September  30,  L890,  the  last  three 
acta  being  on  account  of  labor  and  materials  furnished  by  defaulting 
contractor. 

During  the  years  ended  dune  :!•».  L888,  and  dune  30,  1899,  the  postal 
receipts  aggregated  about  ss.iiiin  anil  si 7,7*3.26,  respectively.  In 
1890  tin;  population  of  the  city  was  7.S!»2,  and  in  L900  it  was  9,487. 

12242— 01  L3 


1D4 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUHLIO   Bl' ILDI>, < r>. 


195 


POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  LEXINGTON,  KY. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  hv  act*  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  3,  1885,  and  August  24.  1N86.  April  1.  Lsst;. 
a  .site  was  .secured  by  purchase  for  &2O.00O.  fronting  southwest  14o 
feet  oil  Main  street,  which  is  82  feet  wide,  and  southeast  150  feel  on 
Walnut  street,  which  is  -I'.1  feet  wide. 

A  contract  was  awarded  September  27.  l.s,s»>.  for  excavating  and 
foundations,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  February, 
1889,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $124,929.67.  It  is  of  local  sand- 
stone, and  contains  a  cubic  area  of  414.01)0  feet.  It  is  heated  by  hot- 
water  apparatus  and  open  grates,  and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal 
and  internal-revenue  services. 

The  gross  receipts  from  internal  revenue  during  the  fiscal  years 
1888-89  and  1898-99  were  $2,019,001.86  and  $2,357,622.1 8,  respectively. 
The  postal  receipts  during  the  latter  tiscal  year  were  $53,139.40.  In 
1S!M)  the  population  of  the  city  was  21,567,  and  in  L900  it  was  26,369. 


196 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-office,  etc.,  Louisville,  Ky. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


197 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC.,  LOUISVILLE.  KY. 

This  building  is  locate:!  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Fourth  and 
Chestnut  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  82'.'  feet  on  the 
former  and  south  250  feet  on  the  latter.  The  ground  was  secured 
March  1!*,  1883j  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of  &14o.0uo.  A  contract 
for  the  general  excavation  was  awarded  June  it.  1885,  and  for  the 
stonework  of  the  superstructure  March  1.  1886.  In  L893  the  building 
was  completed  and  occupied  throughout,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$l,10l),844.!t2. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  25,  1*82,  March  3,  1883,  March  3,  1885  (v.  23.  p.  349), 
March  3,  1885  (v.  23.  p.  481),  August  4.  L886,  March  3,  L887,  March 
30,  1888,  October  2,  188S,  October  Lit.  INN*.  March  'J.  lss'.i.  Augusl 
30,  1890,  and  August  5.  1892. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Salem  (Ind.)  limestone,  and  contains 
a  cubic  area  of  3.115.235  feet.  It  is  provided  with  exhaust  steam 
heat,  mechanical  ventilating  apparatus,  and  an  electric-lighting  plant 
There  are  two  hydraulic  passenger  elevators  operating  between  the 
basement  and  fifth  floor,  and  two  freight  lifts  extending  to  the  first 
floor.  The  mechanical  power  is  developed  by  eight  horizontal  tubular 
boilers. 

The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-oflicc.  and  the  second 
floor  by  the  Inited  States  courts.  The  other  branches  of  the  public 
service  occupying  space  in  the  building  are  mainly  the  customs  and 
internal-revenue  services,  pension  bureau,  weather  bureau,  and  United 
States  engineers.    Above  the  first  story  there  are  one  hundred  rooms. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30.  lsitit.  the  postal  and  internal-revenue 
receipts  were  $441,242.84  and  $12,635,497.18,  respectively.  In  1890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  161,129,  and  in  1900  it  was  :J<>4.7:;i. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  Government  occupied 
a  custom-house  and  post-office  building  located  at  the  southwest  corner 
of  Third  and  Green  streets,  which  building  was  constructed  in  ls.~>4- 
1857.  The  property  was  sold  June  15.  lN'.Mi.  for  the  sum  of  $50,000, 
under  authority  of  an  act  approved  Augusl  4.  1894. 


198 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Owensboho,  Ky. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


iyy 


POST-OFFICE.  ETC.,  0WEXSB0R0.  KV. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  10,  1SS7.  authorized  this 
building  and  made  an  appropriation  therefor.  The  site  was  donated 
to  the  Government  October  81,  1sn7,  and  is  located  on  the  southeast 
corner  of  Third  and  Allen  streets,  with  a  frontage  north  of  100  feet 
on  the  former  and  west  180  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  May  28,  Inns, 
and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  lNN'.t,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$49,525.77. 

It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  and  contains  an  area 
of  217,012  cubic  feet.  The  first,  second,  and  third  floors  are  occu- 
pied, respectively,  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and  the 
United  States  courts.  A  steam-heating  system,  operated  by  one  boiler, 
is  extended  throughout  the  building. 

The  postal  and  internal-revenue  receipts  have  increased  from 
§13,117.50  and  #l..">*iS,.">OS.73,  respectively,  during  the  first  year  the 
building  was  occupied,  to  #18,513.10  and  #1,833,  1:58.71  during  the  year 
ended  June  3(»,  1899.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  9,837, 
and  in  1900  it  was  L3,189. 


200 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


201 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC.,  PADUCAH,  KV. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Broadway  mid 
Fifth  street.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  under  date-  of  Octo- 
ber 28,  1880,  and  November  4.  L880,  for  the  sum  of  *7.477.."i<>.  and  lias 
a  south  frontage  of  1">7  feet  (!  inches  on  Broadway  and  an  east  frontage 
of  173  feet  3  inches  on  Fifth  street. 

A  contract  was  awarded  September  1,  1881,  for  the  erection  of  the 
superstructure,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  Sep- 
tember, 1883,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $128,032.13. 

The  material  used  in  the  superstructure  is  a  Limestone  obtained  from 
Bowling  Green,  Kv.  The  building  contains  an  area  of  300,2<»o  cubic 
feet,  and  is  heated  by  a  hot-water  system  operated  l»y  one  boiler.  The 
first  and  second  floors  are  occupied  by  the  post -office and  United  States 
courts,  respectively,  and  the  third  floor  principally  by  the  internal- 
revenue  and  customs  services.  An  elect  ric  passenger  elevator  operat- 
ing between  the  basement  and  third  floor  was  installed  early  in  the 
summer  of  1899. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  i-  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  April  14,  1880,  August  7,  1882,  March  3,  1883, 
July  7,  1884  (iron  fence),  and  October  19,  lss^  (claim  for  sundry 
articles). 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  about  §lo,0(M>  annually  and  during  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  80, 
1899  they  amounted  to  $29,486.20.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city 
was  8,036,  and  in  1900  it  was  19,446. 


202 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Richmond,  Ky, 


H1STOK1'  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


203 


POST-OFFICE.  RICHMOND.  KV. 

This  building  is  Located  on  the  north  side  of  Main  street,  between 
Third  and  Fifth  streets,  Fourth  street  not  being  cut  through.  It  \va> 
authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  4.  18!»1.  and 
appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3,  1891,  and  March  2,  1895. 

The  site  was  purchased  March  It!,  1*112,  for  the  sum  of  &lo.OO<>,  and 
has  a  frontage  of  1">4  feet  24-  inches  and  a  depth  of  150  feet. 

Trench  excavations,  foundations,  etc.,  were  commenced  under  a  con- 
tract awarded  March  *>,  IS!):;,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  about  duly  1 .  l  S'.iT,  the  cost  of  construction  being  £84. l»81t.  60. 
It  is  constructed  of  Rock  Castle  (Ivy.)  blue  sandstone  and  contains  an 
area  of  297,883  cubic  feet.  The  first  and  second  floors  are  assigned  to 
the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and  pension  examiner,  the 
third  having  been  designed  for  the  United  States  courts  and  court 
offices  but  not  finished  or  occupied. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1S!M»,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  «7,llt>.70.  In  1890  the  population  of  Richmond  was  f>.o73  and  in 
L900  it  was  4,653. 


204 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  <»F  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


205 


POST-OFFICE,  ALEXANDRIA,  LA, 

This  building  fronts  west  on  Johnson  street  and  is  located  on  a  plot 
of  ground  hounded  on  the  west  by  Johnson  street  2l>>  feet  I  inches  and 
on  the  north  and  south  each  106  feet  8  inches  by  Third  and  Fourth 
streets,  respectively.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  for  S:!. yon. 
a  proposal  for  the  sale  of  the  same  having  been  accepted  March  30, 
1891.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  July 
9, 1894,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  early  part 
of  1896,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *.">•>.  158.  L0. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  duly  2,  1890,  August  30,  1890,  and  March  :!.  1891. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  274,000  feet.  It  is  healed  by 
stoves  and  open  grates,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-office  and  United 
States  courts.  The  small  brick  structure  in  the  rear,  w  hich  is  about 
16  by  32  feet  in  plan,  is  used  for  a  gas  machine,  etc. 

During- the  year  ended  dune  .So,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $8,839.74  In  1890  the  population  of  the  town  was  2,861  and  in 
1900  it  was  5,648. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


207 


POST-OFFICE.  BATON  ROUGE.  LA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  North  Boulevard 
and  Church  street  on  a  plot  of  "round  14<»  feet  square,  hounded  on 
the  south  by  the  former  and  east  by  the  latter. 

The  site  was  secured  hy  purchase  October  8,  L892,  for  the  sum  of 
$14,500.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
June  2,  18!»4,  and  the  structure  w:i>  completed  and  occupied  March  .">. 
18!»7.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $84,528.0!).  The  one-story  brick 
structure  with  tile  roof,  shown  in  the  illustration,  at  the  left  of  the 
main  building,  is  used  as  a  fuel  house,  etc. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  main  building  are  269,000  feet.  It  is 
heated  by  open  fireplaces,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-office  and  United 
States  courts. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  act-  of  Congress 
approved  April  20,  Ls'.KI,  August  30,  1800.  and  March  :;.  l.s'.H. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  I8'.»;t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $15,840.49.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  10,478,  and  in 
1900  it  was  1.1,269. 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


209 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE,  FTC,  MONROE,  LA. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  ( !on- 
gress  approved  June  IS,  1SSS.  The  site  was  purchased  September  14. 
1889,  for  $4,500,  and  fronts  southwest  180  feet  on  St.  John  street,  and 
southeast  120  feet  on  Grammond  street. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  entered  into  August 
23,  1890,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  L892, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $ti!U!2t!.~2. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
254,2<)5  feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  and  the  second  and  third  floors  by  the  United  States 
courts.  Artificial  heat  is  supplied  by  open  grates,  there  being  in  all 
fourteen. 

Since  the  occupation  of  the  building  the  gross  postal  receipts  have 
increased  from  about  $6,000  per  annum  to  £lo.s.">5..->l  during  the  year 
ended  .June  30,  L899.  In  1890  the  population  of  Monroe  was  3,256, 
and  in  1900  it  was  5,428. 

12242— (il  14 


210 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BL'ILDIXOS. 


211 


BRANCH  MINT.  NEW  ORLEANS,  LA. 

This  building  is  located  near  the  river  on  the  square  bounded  on  the 
north  by  the  Esplanade  397  feet  6  inches,  east  by  North  Peters  street 
2<»!t  feet  4  inches,  south  by  Barracks  street  34:!  feet  l!  inches,  and 
west  by  Decatur  street  202  feet  10  inches.  It  was  authorized  by  an 
act  of  Congress  approved  March  2,  1835.  May  11,  1835,  the  city  of 
New  Orleans  donated  the  land  to  the  United  States  upon  the  con- 
dition that  should  it  at  any  time  not  lie  used  as  a  site  for  a  mint  it 
would  revert  to  the  city.  July  is.  1878,  this  condition  was  removed 
and  the  United  States  given  a  clear  title  to  the  land. 

The  building  was  commenced  in  September.  1N35,  and  w  as  completed 
in  1838  at  a  cost  of  $327,548. So.  It  fronts  on  the  Esplanade,  and  is 
constructed  of  brick,  the  exterior  walls  being  faced  with  a  coating  of 
cement. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  construction  and  maintenance 
of  the  building,  machinery,  etc..  were  made  by  acts  of  March  2,  \^'-'<~>. 
March  3,  1837,  July  7.  ls*38,  July  20,  1840,  July  17.  1*44.  August  In. 
1840,  March  3,  1847,  March  3.  1849,  September  :J<'».  L850,  August  31. 
1852,  August  4,  1854,  March  3,  1855,  March  3.  ls.*.7.  duly  20,  1868, 
March  3,  1809,  June  19,  1878,  June  21,  187!».  dune  15.  lsso,  August 
4,  1886,  and  March  2,  1889. 

On  the  site  of  this  building  was  located  the  old  Spanish  fort  St. 
Charles,  which  had  a  wide,  deep  moat  encircling  the  entire  square, 
and  was  approached  by  a  drawbridge  from  Barracks  street.  Coinage 
operations  at  the  mint  were  abandoned  by  the  United  States  from  the 
year  1861  to  1878.  Between  January  2(5,  IsOl,  and  May  31,  1861,  the 
State  of  Louisiana  and  the  Confederate  States  coined  $1,356,136.50  at 
the  building  with  the  Government  die-. 

June  7,  1862,  William  15.  Mumford  was  hung  from  a  beam  adjusted 
between  the  two  center  columns  of  the  front  porch  for  hauling  down 
the  Union  flag  displayed  over  the  building. 


2 1 2 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   <>F   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


213 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  NEW  ORLEANS.  LA. 

This  building  occupies  the  entire  block  of  ground  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Custom-house  street,  south  by  Canal  street,  east  by  North 
Peters  .street,  and  west  by  Decatur  street.  The  land  was  ceded  to  the 
United  States  June  29, 1848,  by  the  first  municipality  of  New  Orleans, 
and  building  operations  were  commenced  soon  afterwards  and  con- 
tinued until  L860.  The  designs  were  prepared  by  Mr.  A.  T.  Wood, 
and  the  work  of  construction  was  conducted  under  the  supervision  of 
a  commission  appointed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  com- 
prising Messrs.  Alcee  Le  Branch,  Denis  Prieux,and  William  McKenree 
Gwin,  all  citizens  of  New  Orleans.  For  some  time  General  (then 
major)  Beauregard  was  superintendent  of  construction. 

In  1860  the  walls  had  been  carried  up  75  feet  above  the  concrete 
base  to  the  architrave  line  of  the  entablature,  and  all  the  floor  beams 
of  the  fourth  story  Were  in  place.  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil 
war  a  temporary  roof  was  constructed,  and  no  further  work  was  per- 
formed on  the  building,  except  in  the  nature  of  repairs  and  preserva- 
tion, until  1871,  when  operations  were  resumed  under  modified  plans 
prepared  by  the  Supervising  Architect  of  the  Treasury  Department, 
reducing  somewhat  the  estimated  cost  of  completion.  In  1879  the 
second  story  was  completed,  and  the  third  story  in  L881.  The  fourth 
story  may  still  be  considered  unfinished.  Subsequently  alterations 
were  made  on  the  first  or  ground  floor  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
post-office.    This  work  was  completed  in  L888. 

The  building,  which  is  constructed  of  Quincv  (Mass.)  granite,  with 
brick  backing,  is  >sf  feet  from  sidewalk  to  roof  cornice,  and  measures 
340  feet  on  Canal  street.  2!>7  feet  on  Decatur  street.  252  feet  on  Cus- 
tom-House street,  and  309  feet  on  North  Peters  street.  Its  cubic  con- 
tents are  (>,O85,00()  feet.  The  foundations  rest  on  a  plank  flooring  7 
feet  below  the  street  line.  On  this  flooring  is  a  grillage  of  12-inch 
logs,  the  first  layer  being  side  by  side  and  those  of  the  transverse  layer 
from  2  to  3  feet  apart  in  the  clear.  The  space  between  the  logs  U  filled 
with  concrete,  which  is  carried  above  the  grillage  about  1  foot.  The 
interior  walls  rest  on  inverted  arches  U  bricks  thick,  thus  distributing 
the  weight  over  the  greatest  surface.  The  exterior  walls  are  4  feet 
thick,  2£  feet  of  which  is  brick  and  the  balance  stone  masonry.  The 
spread  of  the  grillage  supporting  them  is  15  feet.  While  a  commission 
in  1S51  reported  from  borings  made  in  New  Orleans  that  the  site  of 
the  custom-house  was  the  firmest,  dry  est.  and  most  reliable  in  and  about 
the  city,  the  maximum  settlement  of  this  building  in  18(50  was  2  feet 
6  inches. 

The  main  cornice  is  of  cast  iron.  The  roof  is  constructed  of  wooden 
beams  trussed  with  iron  rods  and  covered  with  copper,  the  pitch  being 
toward  the  center. 


214 


HISTOEY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Inside  the  main  (Canal  street)  entrance,  which,  by  the  way,  is  hid- 
den from  view  in  the  illustration  by  a  street  car,  is  a  large  stair  hall 
extending  the  entire  height  of  the  building  and  surmounted  by  a  sky- 
light. In  this  hall  is  an  elaborate  marble  stairway,  double  to  the  first 
landing  and  then  full  width  to  the  second  floor.  From  the  second  to 
the  third  floor  the  stairs  are  double  and  of  iron.  The  central  portion 
of  the  second  story  is  occupied  by  the  customs  business  room,  a  magnifi- 
cent apartment  called  the  "Marble  hall."  It  measures  125  by  95  feet, 
and  is  54  feet  in  height,  covered  by  a  skylight  and  a  ceiling  light  of 
ground  glass  with  stained-glass  border  supported  by  fourteen  marble 
Corinthian  columns,  at  the  top  of  the  capital  of  each  of  which  are  bas- 
reliefs  of  Juno  and  of  Mercury.  At  one  end  of  the  hall  are  panels 
with  life-size  bas-reliefs  of  Sieur  de  Bienville,  the  founder  of  New 
Orleans,  and  of  Jackson,  its  defender.  Between  these  is  the  coat  of 
arms  of  Louisiana — the  pelican  feeding  its  young.  The  floor  of  the 
hall  is  laid  with  white  and  black  marble,  with  plates  of  heavy  glass  to 
admit  light  to  the  engine  room  below. 

In  the  first  story  there  are  two  driveways,  extending  from  Canal  to 
Custom-house  streets,  with  connecting  corridors.  The  portion  of  this 
story  between  Decatur  street  and  the  first  driveway  is  occupied  by  the 
post-office.  The  North  Peters  street  side  is  assigned  to  the  appraiser's 
department.  The  central  portion  is  occupied  by  the  mechanical  plant, 
consisting  of  two  batteries  of  steam  boilers,  dynamos,  pumps,  etc. 

There  are  two  court  rooms  in  the  building,  located  on  the  Decatur 
street  side  of  the  second  floor,  near  Canal  street,  and  two  stories  in 
height.  The  second  and  third  floors  are  occupied  principally  by  the 
United  States  courts,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  United 
States  engineers,  light-house  inspector,  subtreasury,  land  office,  and 
Weather  Bureau,  the  fourth  floor  being  used  entirely  for  storage. 
There  are  three  elevators,  two  passenger  (hydraulic)  and  one  freight 
(steam),  located  adjacent  to  the  driveways  and  connecting  with  the  fourth 
story. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  1845,  March  3,  1847,  August  12,  1848, 
March  3,  1849,  May  15,  1850,  September  30,  1850,  March  3,  1851, 
August  31, 1852,  March  3, 1853,  August  4, 1854,  March  3, 1855,  August 
18,  1856,  March  3,  1857,  June  12,  1858,  June  25,  1860,  July  23,  1866, 
April  20,  1870,  July  15, 1870,  March  3, 1871,  June  10, 1872,  March  3, 
1873,  June  23,  1874,  March  3,  1875,  July  31,  1876,  April  30,  1878, 
June  20,  1878,  March  3,  1879,  June  16,  1880,  March  3,  1881,  August 
7,  1882,  March  3,  1883,  July  7,  1884,  March  3,  1885,  and  October  2, 
1888  (elevators). 

The  total  cost,  excluding  expenditures  made  from  regular  annual 
appropriations,  was  $4,412,551.35,  $2,929,264.50  of  which  was  expended 
prior  to  the  civil  war. 

The  average  of  the  imports  and  exports  entered  at  this  port  from 
the  year  ended  June  30,  1885,  to  that  ended  June  30,  1899,  was 
$14,120,802  and  $92,258,821,  respectively,  per  annum. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


215 


During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1*!J!<.  the  postal  ;uul  internal  revenue 
receipts  amounted  to  $437,743,41  and  $2,254,173.74,  respectively.  In 
1850  the  population  of  the  city  was  116,375,  and  in  1900  it  was  2*7.104. 

On  a  portion  of  the  site  of  this  building  Sieur  dc  Bienville,  the 
second  governor  of  Louisiana,  under  the  French,  soon  after  the  founda- 
tion of  the  city  in  1718,  erected  a  small  wooden  custom  house  called 
by  the  Creoles  "  La  Douane."  and  some  portion  of  th»  block  has  ever 
since  formed  the  site  of  the  New  Orleans  custom-house. 

In  connection  with  the,  customs  service  at  New  Orleans  the  follow- 
ing stations  have  been  established  on  the  Mississippi  River  below  the 
city. 

"JUMP"  BOABDXNG  STATION". 

This  station  is  located  about  HO  miles  below  New  Orleans  on  a  tract 
of  land  consisting  of  about  *.3*  acres,  lying  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Mississippi  River,  approaching  it-  outlet,  and  at  the  junction  of  the 
dump  Bayou.  The  land  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  .May."..  1^>.'!. 
by  Mr.  R.  M.  \Y  bite.  During  1*84  and  1**5  improvements  were  made 
at  the  station  costing  $17,130.17,  materials  for  the  work  having  been 
obtained  from  the  boarding  stations  at  Southwest  Pass  and  Pass  a 
I'Outre. 

The  main  building  is  about  98  feet  square.  There  i-  also  a  boathouse 
and  two  wharves  with  connecting  gangway.  The  property  was  aban- 
doned by  the  customs  service  and  leased  September  14,  1*1*5. 

BOAKOINO  STATION.  SOUTHWEST  PA8S. 

This  station  is  located  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Southwest  Pass 
(outlet)  of  the  Mississippi  River,  at  the  junction  of  Scott"-  Bayou,  It 
was  authorized  by  act  of  Congress  approved  August  4,  1854.  The 
land,  with  several  buildings  thereon,  was  secured  by  deed  executed  May 
9,  1*57,  and  consists  of  3.114  acre-,  the  purchase  price  being  £.3.500 
Exclusive  jurisdiction  over  the  land  was  ceded  to  the  United  State-  h\ 
the  State  of  Louisiana  so  long  as  it  was  used  as  a  customs  boarding 
station.  The  station  was  abandoned  by  the  customs  service  and  the 
buildings  utilized  in  connection  with  improvements  at  the  '"Jump" 
station  in  1**5. 

BOARDINC  STATION,    PASS  A  l/oUTRE. 

This  station  is  located  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Pass  a  I'Outre,  the 
most  easterly  of  the  outlets  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  was  authorized 
by  act  of  Congress  approved  August  1*.  l*5t>.  The  land,  which  con- 
sists of  20  acres,  was  donated  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of 
Louisiana  February  1.  1856,  upon  the  condition  that  if  a  boarding  sta- 
tion was  not  established  thereon  within  live  years  title  to  and  jurisdic- 
tion over  the  land  would  revert  to  the  State.  During  the  years  1857 
and  1*5*  buildings,  etc..  were  erected  at  a  cost  of  #12.000,  and  the  sta- 
tion used  for  the  purpose  indicated  until  |ss5.  when  it  was  abandoned 
as  such,  and  the  buildings,  etc.,  utilized  in  connection  with  the  con- 
struction of  the  "Jump"  station. 


216 


HISTOEY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


217 


OOURT-HIU'SK  AM)  POST-OFFK'K.  HI'KLOCSAS,  LA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  L,  authorized  this  build- 
Lug,  and  an  act  of  October  2.  1888,  made  an  appropriation  therefor. 
November  23,  1889,  the  site  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Court  and 

Landry  streets  was  .secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of  £3.   the 

land  having  a  frontage  of  130  feet  west  on  the  former  and  llo  feet 
south  on  the  latter.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was 
awarded  Septembei  13,  1890,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  in  November,  lSitl,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $44,327.29. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  and  con- 
tains an  area  of  11*4,327  cubic  feet.  The  first  floor  i-  occupied  by  the 
postal  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  the  second  floor  by  the  United 
States  courts.  In  181)1  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about 
$3,500,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  to  $4,197.32.  The 
population  of  the  city  in  1890  was  1,572.  and  in  1900  it  was  2,951. 


218 


-HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-Hou.se,  etc.,  Shreveport,  La. 


HISTORY   OF    PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


219 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC..  SHREVEI'OKT.  LA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Texas  and  Mar- 
shall streets  on  a  plat  of  ground  fronting  south  lsn  feet  on  the  former, 
west  150  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the  north  by  a  20-foot 
alley. 

It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved 
July  7,  1882,  March  3,  1SS5  (approaches).  August  4.  LSSO  (approaches), 
and  March  30,  Inns  (plumbing,  etc.).  The  land  was  secured  by  pur- 
chase June  12,  1884,  for  $lo,ooo,  and  the  building  was  commenced  in 
the  early  part  of  1885.  The  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
November,  1SS",  the  cost  of  construction  being  §90.434.41. 

It  is  constructed  of  red  brick,  contains  an  area  of  344,1500  cubic  feet, 
is  heated  by  hot  water  from  one  boiler,  together  with  open  fireplaces, 
and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  service,  Tinted  States  courts, 
and  weather  bureau. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  annual  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  about  §13.000  and  during  the  year  ended  June  3o.  1899, 
they  were  $32,964.48.  In  L880  the  population  of  the  city  was  8,009, 
in  1890,  11,979,  and  in  L900  it  was  16,013. 


220 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


221 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC.,  AUGUSTA,  ME. 

This  building  is  Located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Water  street  and 
the  line  of  Winthrop  street  with  theKennebec  River  at  the  rear.  The 
land  was  secured  by  purchase  October  17.  L885,  for  ^17. 500,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  west  14<i  feet  by  Water  street,  on  the  north  loK.ot",  feet 
by  the  line  of  Winthrop  street,  the  lot  lines  being  148.13  feet  and 
111.87  feet  on  the  east  and  south  sides,  respectively. 

The  building,  which  is  of  light-gray  granite,  with  entrance  from 
Water  street,  was  commenced  in  the  summer  of  1880.  and  completed 
and  occupied  in  January,  1890,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being 
$178,281.20. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  February  14.  1885.  March  '.'>.  18N7,  and  March  :J>o, 
1*8*. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  427,*>oo  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  pension  services,  the  number 
of  rooms  assigned  being  seven.  It  i>  also  provided  with  a  hydraulic 
freight  elevator  for  use  of  post-office. 

During  the  fiscal  year  1S!)0-H1  the  post-office  receipts  were  sss>1.7*7.5* 
and  2,8*3,272  pounds  of  second-class  mail  matter  were  handled.  The 
corresponding  figures  for  the  year  l81**-!»!»  were  £1<W.32K.M3  and 
7,44b\414  pounds.  A  large  portion  of  the  business  of  the  post-office 
is  for  the  publishing  houses  in  Augusta.  In  1890  the  population  of 
the  city  was  I0r527,  and  in  1900  it  was  11,683. 


222 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Cijstom-House  and  Post-Office,  Bangor,  Me. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


223 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  BANGOR,  ME. 

June  5,  1851,  the  United  States  secured,  by  purchase  from  the  city 
of  Bangor,  for  $15,000,  a  plot  of  ground  in  the  form  of  a  rectangle, 
about  350  by  100  feet,  situated  on  :in  island  in  the  center  of  the  Ken- 
duskeag  stream,  and  extending  on  the  north  to  Central  street  bridge 
and  on  the  south  to  Kenduskeag  bridge,  which  is  on  the  line  of  State 
.street. 

The  south  end  of  the  lot  is  now  concreted  and  the  north  end  paved 
with  granite  flags.  It  is  protected  by  walls  of  granite  about  6  or  8 
feet  above  tide  water  on  the  east  and  west  sides,  these  wall-  being  con- 
structed in  INS!)  at  a  cost  of  $23.lol.!»o.  $lo.ooo  of  which  was  paid  by 
the  United  States  and  the  balance  by  the  city  of  Bangor. 

The  building,  which  is  of  granite,  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
1855,  and  cost  $84,512.13,  exclusive  of  site.  It  is  located  near  the  cen- 
ter of  the  lot,  north  and  south,  with  approaches  from  both  bridges. 
The  south  front  is  show  n  in  the  illustration. 

A  three-story  extension,  about  40  by  50  feet,  was  completed  on  the 
south  end  of  the  building  in  bsti'.t.  which,  together  with  certain  altera- 
tions and  repairs,  cost  about  $74,000. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  this  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  September  3<i.  1N50.  duly  21.  1*52.  March  3.  1853. 
August  4,  1854,  March  3,  1855,  August  18,  1856  (approaches),  July 
16,  1862  (repairs),  duly  28-,  1866  (extension),  duly  20,  1868  (extension). 
March  3,  I860,  April  20,  1870  (balconies  and  furniture),  and  October 
2,  1888  (retaining  walls). 

Its  cubic  contents  are  231,000  feet,  and  it  i-  provided  with  steam 
heat.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  eighteen,  assigned  princi- 
pally to  the  postal,  customs,  internal-revenue,  and  steamboat-inspec- 
tion  services  and  to  the  United  States  courts. 

The  duties  collected  from  customs  at  this  port  during  the  year- 
ended  dune  :!(».  1885  and  ISW,  were  $50,555  and  $128,585.  respec- 
tively. During  the  latter  year  the  exports  amounted  to  $3.4*5.237: 
also  during  that  year  the  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  located  in 
the  building  aggregated  $01, 41*7.43.  Since  the  building  was  first 
occupied  the  population  of  the  city  has  increased  from  about  15,000  to 
21,850  in  1900. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


22  5 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  BATH,  ME. 

The  ground  for  this  building  was  purchased  February  7  and  Novem- 
ber 1<S,  1852,  for  the  sum  of  *15.ooo,  and  extended  from  Front  street 
an  the  west  to  the  Kennebec  River  on  the  east,  being  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Lam  bard-  street  and  on  the  south  by  Vine  street.  Subse- 
quently, Commercial  street  was  cut  through  along  the  river  front 
parallel  with  Front  street,  separating  the  present  custom-house  lot 
from  the  wharf  and  dock  which  formed  a  part  of  the  original  pur- 
chase. In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1865, 
this  wharf  property  was  sold  at  public  auction  on  March  1^.  L866,  for 
the  sum  of  £2,700,  the  bounding  lines  of  the  Government  lot  now 
being  about  235  feet  north  on  Lambard  street,  20o  feet  east  on  Com- 
mercial street,  206  feet  south  on  Vine  street,  and  236  feet  weal  on 
Front  street. 

The  building,  which  is  of  granite,  and  fronts  west,  was  completed 
and  occupied  in  IS5X,  the  actual  cost  of  construction  being  £s4,s3i i. 23. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  are  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  September  30,  1850,  July  21.  1852,  March  L853,  August 
4,  L854,  March  3,  1855,  March  3,  1N57,  May  11.  Is5s.  and  December 

10,  1872  (repairs,  approaches,  etc.). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  structure  are  180,500  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  customs  services. 

The  duty  collected  on  customs  at  thi>  port  during  the  years  ended 
June  30,  1885  and  1895),  were  $»iO.U'»»;  and  £13.424.  respectively.  The 
postal  receipts  during  this  latter  year  aggregated  £15.N52.13.  When 
the  building  was  constructed  the  population  of  the  city  was  about 
7,000;  in  I'.too  it  was  10.477. 

The  first  custom-house  in  Hath  owned  by  the  United  States  was 
secured  in  1834,  it  having  been  set  off  in  partial  settlement  of  a  judg- 
ment against  the  Bath  Bank.  This  property  was  sold  December  11. 
L858,  for  £3.925,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 

11,  1858. 

12242— 01  15 


226 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


227 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  BELFAST,  ME, 

This  building  is  located  on  a  triangular  plot  of  ground  bounded  on 
the  northeast  1!»7  feet  by  Main  street  and  on  the  southeast  I'1 '7  feet 
by  Franklin  street,  the  base  line  adjoining  private  property  being  Y7yl 
feet  2  inches.  These  two  streets  converge  on  the  west  line  of  Church 
street,  which  extends  north  and  south.  The  building  sets  back  some- 
what from  the  vertex,  and  the  curb  line  has  been  rounded  from  Franklin 
to  Main  street,  as  shown  in  the  illustration. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  between  February  'H'k  1855, 
and  July  22,  1857,  for  $5,600,  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  in  the  latter  year,  the  cost  of  construction  being  180,983,26. 
In  1887  an  addition  was  constructed  at  the  pear  at  a  cost  of  nearly 
$15,000.  This  addition  embraces  the  four  rear  windows  shown  in  the 
illustration,  and  extends  the  full  width  of  the  building. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  <>t 
Congress  approved  August  4.  L854,  March  3,  1857,  .March  2.  1861 
(outstanding  liabilities).  March  U.  l<s*>4  (superintendent's  services), 
and  May  17.  1886  (extension). 

Its  cubic  contents  are  6(>.7oo  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat, 
and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  custom-  services. 

During  the  year  ended  June  80,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $8,157.60.  When  the  building  was  constructed  the  population  of 
the  city  was  5,000;  and  in  t!»oo  it  was  4.015. 


228 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


229 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  CASTTNE,  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeasterly  side  of  Main  street, 
about  500  feet  from  the  water  front,  on  a  plot  of  ground  about  77 
feet  6  inches  front  and  47  feet  inches  deep.  It  originally  belonged 
to  the  Hank  of  Castine  and  the.  county  of  Hancock.  Under  date  of 
April  ti.  1833,  the  United  States  purchased  the  interest  of  the  l>ank 
for  $800,  and  on  May  26,  1849,  the  remainder  of  the  property  was 
purchased  for  £-0»o.  In  ls*>9  and  1870  the  building  was  entirely 
remodeled  and  quarters  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  the  post- 
office.  Additional  land  on  the  north  side  was  purchased  January  18, 
1872,  for  the  sum  of  #(500. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick  sheathed  with  wood,  and  has  a 
cubic  contents  of  52,700  feet.  It  is  provided  with  heat  from  a  hot-air 
furnace,  and  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  ami  customs  services. 
The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved 
March  2,  1833,  March  3.  I847,and  April  20,  l*7o. 

During  the  fiscal  year  1899-1900  the  value  of  import-  and  exports 
entered  at  this  port  was  about  $20,000,  and  during  the  year  ended 
.Tune  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  were  $1,523.87. 

The  population  of  the  town  of  Castine,  as  given  by  the  census  of 
1890  was  987  and  by  that  of  1900  it  was  925. 


230 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


231 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  EASTPORT,  ME. 

The  first  custom-house  in  Eastport,  Me.,  owned  by  the  Government, 
was  a  frame  building  on  the  east  side  of  Water  street,  about  25  feet 
north  of  the  present  custom-house  and  post-office,  with  wharf  adjoin- 
ing, the  property  having  been  secured  February  27,  lsH<>.  in  payment 
of  a  debt  to  the  United  States  of  S5.sl4.71.  The  building  and  wharf 
were  destroyed  bj  tire  in  October.  lHSti,  and  the  land  was  sold  at 
public  auction  June  15,  L$95,  the  deed  of  conveyance  being  executed 
July  3,  1895. 

July  3,  1847,  a  lot  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Water  and  Washing- 
ton streets  was  purchased  for  $2,7*0,  and  a  custom-house  constructed 
thereon.  The  appropriations  on  account  of  this  building  were 
approved  March  3,  1847;  March  3,  1H4H;  May  15.  1850,  and  March  H. 
1853,  and  aggregated  $37,534.40.  This  building  was  destroyed  by 
tire  October  14.  lss(5.  An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  17. 
1887,  authorized  the  sale  of  this  land  and  the  purchase  of  a  suitable 
site  and  erection  of  a  building  theron.  The  Department  decided  that 
this  lot,  with  additional  land  adjoining,  was  the  most  desirable  site  for 
the  new  building.  In  order  to  comply  with  the  above  act,  the  lot  was 
sold  at  public  auction  March  12.  18S7,  for  $2. son,  and  repurchased 
for  the  same  sum.  The  additional  land  purchased  eosl  (6,083,  making 
the  total  cost  of  the  site  $8,883.  Washington  and  Water  streets  form 
an  acute  angle  at  the  northwest  cornel',  and  the  lot  fronts  southerly 
about  L65  feet  on  the  former  and  east  172  feet  on  the  latter. 

Work  on  the  present  building  wa>  commenced  under  a  contract 
awarded  August  is,  is'.to,  and  prosecuted  to  completion  under  appro- 
priations made  by  acts  of  October  2.  1SSS,  and  March  L8,  L892,  being 
completed  and  occupied  early  in  L893.  The  cost  of  construction  was 
$108,087.42. 

The  building  fronts  south  and  extends  back  parallel  with  Water 
street,  which  runs  north  and  south.  It  is  constructed  of  granite,  con- 
tains a  cubic  area  of  312.562  feet,  and  is  provided  with  steam  heat. 
It  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal  and  customs  services  and  the 
weather  bureau. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  £4.s»ii!  in  Is'.k)  to  £»>.o7H.H7 
in  the  year  ended  June  Ho,  lS!»!t.  In  lS'.'O  the  population  of  the  town 
was  4.!»0N,  and  in  1WO  it  was  5,311. 


232 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


233 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  ELLSWORTH.  ME. 

July*),  IS;")."),  a  piece  of  ground  on  the  south  cornel-  of  Main  and  Water 
streets  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of  $3,000,  as  a  site  for  this  build- 
ing. It  has  a  frontage  of  about  41  feet  t;  inches  northeasterly  on  Water 
street,  and  extends  hack  along  Main  street  '.^  feet  b'  inches  to  the  Union 
River.  The  building  as  then  constructed  was  completed  in  ls5s.  the 
cost  of  construction  heing  &20,0»>0.7o.  Subsequently,  under  authority 
of  a  letter  of  the  Acting  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  dated  April  21. 
1883,  an  extension  of  about  1;">  feet  was  constructed  at  the  rear  or  South- 
west end  of  the  building. 

The  structure  is  of  brick  and  contain,-  a  cubic  area  of  26,000  feet. 
It  is  heated  by  hot-water  system,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the 
postal  and  customs  service-. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  4.  1*54.  August  1.  L856,  March  L857,  and  June 
12,  185s,  in  addition  to  which  funds  were  transferred  from  the  appro- 
priation for  "Custom-house,  Belfast.  Me.'1 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $6,143.80.  In  L870  the  population  of  the  city  was  5,257,  and  in 
1900  it  was  4,297. 


234 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Houltox,  Me. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


235 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  HOULTON,  ME. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 
•21.  1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  :J><>.  L890,  March 
1891,  and  March  3,  1893.     It  fronts  cast  on  Water  street  and  i-  on  a 
lot  of  ground  with  a  frontage  of  14<>  feet  and  '.•'.»  feet  deep,  which  was 
secured  by  purchase  on  July  8,  1891,  for  $6,000. 

Work  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  .June  :Jo,  1893,  and 
the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  December  2".  1894,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  £.">!». 7t>2. 78. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick  with  granite  trimmings, 
and  contains  a  cubic  area  of  144. S.">7  feet.  It  is  provided  with  -team 
heat  (indirect  radiation),  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs 
services,  the  former  using  the  first  and  the  latter  the  second  floor. 

During  the  year  ended  .June  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $8,494.33  In  lfSDo  the  population  of  the  town  was  4,01a, 
and  in  1900  it  was  4,686. 


236 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  Kennebunkport,  Me. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


237 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  K  EX XE BUN  K  PORT.  ME. 

UndeT  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  July  13,  L832,  this 
building,  which  was  formerly  used  a*  a  hank,  and  the  ground,  were 
.secured  by  purchase  November  23,  1*32,  for  the  sum  of  *1  ..">7.">.  It  i- 
situated  on  the  east  side  of  Main  street,  the  lot  having  a  frontage  of 
74  feet  and  depth  of  about  77  feet. 

The  building  is  in  plan  3S  by  2<i  feet,  is  constructed  of  brick,  and 
contains  a  cubic  area  of  45,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  stoves  and 
fireplaces,  and  is  occupied  by  the  customs  service. 

At  the  rear,  shown  in  the  illustration,  is  a  frame  structure  about  L8 
by  20  feet  in.  plan,  which  was  constructed  in  L885,  and  is  used  as  a 
coal  and  wood  shed,  etc. 

In  1890  the  population  of  the  town  was  2,196,  and  in  1900  it  was 
2.12::. 


238 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


239 


POST-OFFICE,  LEWISTON.  ME. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Jan- 
uary 21,  lS'.tl.  and  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  ?>.  1M»1.  and 
August  28,  1*1)4.  The  site  was  secured  September  2*.  1M»2.  by  pur- 
chase,  for  the  sum  of  (16,000.  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  200  feet 
by  Ash  street,  on  the  east  100  feet  by  Hates  street,  and  on  the  we-t 
100  feet  by  Park  street.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building 
was  awarded  March  30.  LS!>3.  and  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  March  24.  lNt'5.  the  cost  of  construction  beinjr  *o.s.o27. 1 1. 

The  building,  which  is  situated  at  the  corner  of  Ash  and  Park 
streets,  is  constructed  of  a  local  granite,  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
1N4.152  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  by  the 
postal  service. 

During  the  calendar  years  1  s'.«.">  and  I }$'.♦}»  the  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  §2«),l0a.i»2  and  $2'.t.s74.!iN.  respectively.  In  lsi»0  the 
population  of  the  city  was  21,701.  and  in  1900  it  WB/6  23.7t'»l. 


240 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  B'TILDI>t(iS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


241 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  MACHIAS,  ME. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  March  2.  L867.  The  ground,  which  was  secured 
by  purchase  May  13,  1870,  for  the  sum  of  $1,000,  is  on  the  northwest 
corner  of  Main  and  Center  streets,  the  former  bounding  it  on  the 
south  68  feet,  and  the  latter  on  the  east  about  feet.  These  two 
streets  form  an  angle  of  about  11m  decrees  at  the  cornel-  of  the  lot. 

The  building1  was  commenced  in  1871,  and  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  July,  1872.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $24,766. 

Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  May  L8,  L872 
(furniture),  June  1m,  1872  (approaches),  and  June  14.  L878  (approaches). 

The  building,  which  is  of  brick  with  -tone  trimmings,  contains  a 
cubic  area  of  184,000  feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  post- 
office,  and  the  second  by  the  customs  and  marine-hospital  services. 

Artificial  heal  is  supplied  by  a  steam-heating  apparatus,  installed  in 
ls'.»7. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $3,280.66.    In  1872  the  population  of  the  town  was  about  2,400, 
and  in  1900  it  was  2,082. 
12242— Ml  If, 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


243 


COURT-HOl'SE  AND  POST-OFFICE  PORTLAND.  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north- 
east 196  feet  by  Market  street,  on  the  southeast  91  feet  8  inches  by 
Middle  street,  on  the  southwest  liifi  feet  by  Exchange  street,  and  the 
northwest  80  feet  by  the  post-office  court,  the  main  front  being  on 
Middle  street. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  duly  2N.  lSt'»H.  and 
was  completed  in  L873,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *•">'.  12.21 4.  f>4. 
The  post-office  portion  was  occupied,  however.  June  21.  1 S 7 1 . 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Vermont  marble,  contains  an  area  of 
525,(»0(i  cubic  feet,  and  i-  provided  with  -team  heat  from  a  buttery  of 
two  boilers.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service 
and  the  second  and  third  floors  by  the  United  States  courts. 

In  addition  to  the  act  above  noted,  appropriations  on  it-  account 
were  made  by  acts  of  July  20,  1868.  July  25.  1868.  March  :J>.  1n»>9. 
April  20,  1870,  July  15.  1870,  March  3,  1871,  and  March  18,  1872. 

The  receipts  of  the  post-ottice  during  the  year-  1SS4  and  l.S'.W  were 
189,988.32  and  $158,890.54,  respectively.  In  ls7"i  the  population  of 
the  city  was  31,413,  and  in  19(1(1  it  was  50.145. 

The  first  government  building  in  Portland,  Me.,  occupied  by  the 
post-office  was  the  Exchange,"  which  was  located  on  the  site  of  the 
present  court-house  and  post-office.  It  was  purchased  July  5,  1849, 
for  the  sum  of  $149,000,  and  used  as  a  custom-house  and  post-office 
until  destroyed  by  Hre  January  8,  1853.  The  purchase  was  made  under 
authority  of  an  act  of  March  3,  1849;  and  an  act  of  September  30, 
1N5<>,  provided  for  alterations,  etc..  to  adapt  it  tothe  needs  of  the  public 
service. 

A  new  custom-house  and  post-office  was  constructed  on  the  same 
site,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  August  4.  1N54.  It  cost  about 
$200,000,  and  was  first  occupied  April  1.  1857.  During  the  tire  of 
July  4.  1866,  the  exterior  stonework  was  so  badly  chipped  and  cracked 
that  it  had  to  be  torn  down  during  the  following  year,  and  the  present 
building  constructed. 


244 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HI8T0RI   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


245 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  PORTLAND,  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  lot  bounded  on  the  southwest  by  Pearl 
street  144.41  feet,  on  the  northwest  by  Fore  street  82.4  feet,  on  the 
northeast  by  Custom-House  street  163.4  feet,  and  on  the  southeast  by 
Commercial  street  Sit  feet.  The  basement  entrance  is  on  the  level  of 
Commercial  street  and  the  first-story  entrance  on  the  level  of  Fore 
street. 

It  was  commenced  in  1868  and  was  completed  in  1872.  having  been 
occupied,  however,  from  October  of  the  previous  year.  The  cost  of 
construction  was  $494,981.03. 

The  exterior  walls  arc  of  granite,  from  Concord.  X.  EL,  and  Hallo- 
well,  Me.  The  basement  and  first  and  second  stories  contain  an  area  of 
525,000  cubic  feet,  and  arc  divided  into  twenty-five  rooms,  which  are 
occupied  principally  by  the  customs,  internal-revenue  and  immigra- 
tion services,  Light-House  Board,  and  steamboat  inspectors.  In  the 
basement  also  are  located  four  boilers,  which  operate  the  -team  heat- 
ing apparatus. 

Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  act-  of  Congress 
approved  July  2,  1864.  April  T.  L866,  duly  20,  1868,  duly  25,  L868, 
March  8,1869,  April  10,  L869,  April  20,  L870,  duly  15,  1870,  March 
1871.  and  March  IS,  1872. 

The  first  purchase  of  the  site  upon  which  this  building  is  located 
was  made  October  21,  1828,  and  May  25,  L829,  in  the  sum-  of  $5,000 
and  $500,  respectively,  and  the  second  on  February  1'.'.  L867,  in  the 
sum  of  $35,000.  Under  provisions  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  May 
24,  182S,  and  March  is,  1S30.  a  building  for  the  custom-  service  was 
erected  on  the  land  then  purchased.  This  custom-house  wa-  subse- 
quently remodeled  and  used  as  a  customs  warehouse  until  destroyed  by 
tire  in  1 853,  the  collector's  offices  having  been  moved  to  the  "  Exchange  " 
building  soon  after  its  purchase  in  1849.  This  "Exchange"  was 
destroyed  by  fire  January  8,  1858,  and  a  new  custom-house  and  post- 
office  erected  on  its  site,  which  was  occupied  by  the  custom-  officials 
until  the  tire  of  July  4,  1866. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1S99,  the  values  of  the  import-  and 
exports  enteredat  this  port  were  $652,  l'.'l  and  £9. 713.447.  respectively. 
In  187d  the  population  of  the  city  was  31,413,  and  in  L900  it  was  50,145 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


247 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  HOCK  LAND.  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  <>n  the  north 
182  feet  i»  inches  by  Lime  Rock  street,  on  the  south  1.")*}  feet  4  inches 
by  School  street,  on  the  east  by  private  property  185  feet  <>  indies, 
and  OH  the  west  144  feet  by  a  small  unnamed  Street.  The  entrances 
shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  are  from  School  street  on  the 
south  and  from  a  driveway  on  the  east  extended  across  the  lot  from 
north  to  south. 

The  site  was  purchased  August  12.  1873,  for  the  sum  of  $12,000, 
and  in  August.  1*7(1.  under  authority  of  acts  of  Congress  approved 
April  17  and  duly  12  of  that  year,  a  small  triangular  piece  of  the 
ground  was  sold  for  $525. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  Ls7S. 
and  the  structure  was  completed  in  the  early  part  of  1*77.  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $132,828.11.  The  post-onice  portion,  however, 
was  occupied  during  the  previous  year. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  undressed  granite  with  hammered 
trimmings,  and  contains  an  area  of  370,000  cubic  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam  from  one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal,  customs,  and 
Marine-]  lospital  services. 

The  appropriations  On  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  May  17. 
1872,  March  3,  L873,  March  3,  1875,  July  31,  1876,  and  August  :-io, 
lSl'o  (improvement  of  grounds). 

Since  1876  the  annual  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about 
$7,200  to  $16,187.76  during  the  year  ended  dune  so.  isn't,  in  in7o 
tht1  population  of  Rockland  was  7.o74,  and  in  1900  it  was  8,150. 


HISTORY    OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


249 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  VANCEBORO,  ME. 

This  building  is  located  near  the  railroad  station  on  a  plot  of  ground 
65  by  8<»  feet  leased  from  the  Maine  Central  Railroad  Company.  The 
lease  was  executed  August  4.  L884,  and  provides  for  its  renewal  from 
year  to  year  so  long  as  the  United  States  desire-  to  use  the  land  as  a 
site  for  a  custom-house.    The  rental  paid  i>  £12  per  annum. 

In  LSs4  the  building  was  constructed  from  the  appropriation  ■'Col- 
lecting the  revenue  from  customs."  and  it  has  since  been  used  entirely 
by  the  customs  service.  Yanceboro  being  a  suhport  of  the  port  of 
Bangor. 

In  L880  the  population  of  Yanceboro  ua»  381,  and  in  1900  it 
was  550. 


250 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


251 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFTCE,  WALD0B0R0,  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and  Middle 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  Fronting  south  7<»  feet  on  the  former  and 
west  1<'7  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  Feb- 
ruary LO,  L853,  for  the  sum  of  $2,000,  and  the  building  was  completed 
and  occupied  in  ls.">7.  the  cost  of  construction  being  922,424.68. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  31.  1S52.  and  August  4.  ls.Vf. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  54.000  feet.  It  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  and  customs  services,  the  former  the  first  and  the  latter 
the  second  floor,  and  is  heated  by  hot-air  furnace. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $2,489.74.  In  ls.v;  the  population  of  the  city  was  about  1,200  and 
in  L900  it  was  3,145. 


252 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


253 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  WTSCASSET,  ME. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plol  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north 
by  McCollough  street,  east  by  Water  street,  south  by  Fore  street,  and 
west  by  Middle  street,  the  entrances  being  Oil  the  SOUth  and  west  sides. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  August  81.  iNtJS,  for  ^1.. son,  and 
has  a  frontage  of  about  ltio  feet  each  on  Fore  and  McCollough  streets 
and  about  100  feet  each  on  Middle  and  Water  streets.  Soon  after  the 
purchase  of  the  land  McCollough  street,  which  is  84  feet  wide,  was 
cut  through  on  the  Government  lot.  thus  reducing  it  to  the  present 
width. 

The  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  L870,  the  <-o-t  of  con- 
struction being  $30,457.25. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  2,  1867,  April  20,  1870,  July  1">.  1870,  and  dune  14. 
1878  (outstanding  liabilities). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  94,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
hot-air  furnaces  and  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  customs 
service,-. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  Government  owned  a 
custom-house  on  the  opposite  side  of  Water  street,  which  wa-  pur- 
chased March  8,  L849,  for  $2,000,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  August 
12.  1848.  The  building  was  destroyed  by  tire  October  9,  1866,  and 
the  site  was  sold  April  15,  1870,  for  £lo7.  under  authority  conveyed 
by  an  act  of  March  2,  1867. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  18!)!),  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $1,918.54.  In  L870  the  population  of  Wiscasset  was  1,977  and  in 
1900  it  was  1,273. 


254 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BLTLDI>rUS. 


255 


APPRAISERS'  STORES,  BALTIMORE,  MI). 

This  building,  also  known  as  United  State-  Public  Store  No.  1,  is 
located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north  82  feet  <>  inches  by 
Lombard  street,  on  the  west  100  feet  by  Gray  street,  and  on  the  south 
S2  feet  <>  inches  by  Smith's  alley.    The  main  front  is  on  (iay  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  dune  17.  1833,  for  tin*  sum  of 
JtWUMM).  and  the  building  wa>  completed  and  occupied  in  1S3!*.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  #241. <>72. 01.  The  exterior  walls  of  the  first 
story  are  of  stone  and  of  the  other  stories  brick.  All  the  floors  are 
constructed  on  groined  arches. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  March  2,  1*33.  dune  27.  ls:J>4,  March  3.  Is3.">.  May 
9,  1836,  March  3.  1837,  April  6,  1838.  March  3.  183!).  March  3.  I,s41 
(extra  work).  March  3,  1843  (repairs),  dune  17.  1>44.  and  August  4. 
1840 — last  two  for  outstanding  Liabilities. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  340. ooo  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam  and  is  provided  with  a  freight  elevator.  The  basement,  third, 
and  fourth  doors  are  used  for  general  storage,  the  first  and  second 
floors  being  occupied  partially  by  offices  of  the  custom-  officials. 

In  1830  the  population  of  the  city  was  80,620,  and  in  10oo  it  was 
508,957. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


257 


COURT-HOUSE  (OLD).  BALTIMORE,  Ml). 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Payette  and 
North  streets.  It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved 
August  18,  L856,  and  on  June  2~>,  185!»,  the  United  States  purchased 
the  site  which  fronts  south  120  feet  on  Fayette  street  and  east  14S 
feet  f>  inches  on  North  street,  the  purchase  price  being  $50,000.  The 
building  was  occupied  by  the  United  States  courts  in  1864,  and  when 
completed  cost  #205,1 70.97,  exclusive  of  site. 

Upon  completion  of  the  post-office,  court-house,  etc.,  a  partial  view 
of  which  is  shown  in  the  illustration  on  the  opposite  page,  this  build- 
ing was  vacated  by  the  courts,  and  was  authorized  to  be  sold  by  an  act 
of  Congress  approved  July  9,  1890.  December  20,  1890,  after  the 
destruction  by  tire  of  the  Masonic  Temple,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury authorized  its  temporary  occupation  by  the  Masonic  order.  This 
occupation  continued  until  1N'.I4,  when  the  new  Masonic  Temple  was 
completed.  Under  authority  of  a  joint  resolution  of  Congress 
approved  June  22,  18!»4,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  on  March  i'o. 
1895,  granted  its  use  by  the  State  courts  for  a  period  of  five  years.  ( )n 
completion  of  the  new  city  court-house  the  State  court-  vacated  this 
building,  February  I,  1900.  An  act  of  June  6,  1900,  provided  for 
repairing  the  building  incident  to  its  use  by  the  customs  service  during 
the  construction  of  the  new  custom-house. 

The  two-story  brick  structure  shown  in  the  illustration,  at  the  right 
of  the  court-house,  is  located  at  the  corner  of  North  and  Lexington 
streets,  on  a  portion  of  the  Government  lot.  It  was  constructed  by 
the  city  of  Baltimore  for  the  accommodation  of  State  courts,  the 
authority  for  the  use  of  the  ground  being  granted  by  an  act  of  March  2, 
1895,  in  pursuance  of  which  an  agreement  was  entered  into  between 
the  city  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  under  date  of  April  10, 
1895.  This  building  was  vacated  by  the  State  courts  at  the  same  time 
as  tin1  court-house,  and  on  July  12,  L900,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
accepted  a  tender  from  the  mayor  of  the  city  to  use  the  same  in 
connection  with  the  court-house  for  the  temporary  accommodation  of 
the  customs  officials  during  the  construction  of  the  new  custom-house. 
This  acceptance  was  made  practicable  by  the  provisions  of  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  June,  tl,  1900. 
12242—01  17 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


259 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  BALTIMORE.  MD. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north 
164  feet  7  inches  by  Water  street,  on  the  east  252  feet  7  inches  by  Gay 
street,  on  the  south  1(32  feet  5  inches  by  Lombard  street,  and  on  the 
west  253  feet  by  private  property. 

The  first  purchase  was  made  July  25.  1817,  when  a  lot  on  the  corner 
of  Lombard  and  Gay  streets  was  secured  for  $70,000,  for  which  price, 
also,  the  grantors  (Merchants'  Exchange  Company)  erected  a  custom- 
house on  the  site.  This  is  the  portion,  with  portico,  shown  in  the 
foreground  in  the  accompanying  illustration. 

The  second  purchase  was  made  February  1<),  1N53.  when  the  adjoining 
lot  on  the  north,  fronting  on  Gay  street,  with  the  building  located 
thereon,  was  secured  from  the  same  company  for  the  sum  of  81  L0,000, 
which  price  included,  also,  extensive  alterations  and  repairs  to  the 
structure.  June  2,  1857,  the  balance  of  the  land,  with  exception  of 
a  portion  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  Gay  streets,  was  purchased  from 
this  company  for  $207,000.  On  August  15.  1899,  the  building  and 
land  at  the  corner  of  these  two  streets  was  purchased  for $75,000.  In 
1872  and  1873  the  wings  at  the  northwest  and  southwest  corners  of 
the  lot  were  constructed.  The  main  portion  of  the  custom-hous< — that 
surmounted  by  the  dome — was  formerly  the  Exchange  Hotel.  This 
dome,  under  which  the  body  of  President  Lincoln  waa  laid  in  state,  IB 
decorated  with  paintings  of  the  Maryland  coat  of  arms  and  9eals,  and  rep- 
resentations of  commerce  and  the  *"  Dignity  of  the  United  States,"  and 
is  supported  by  12  Ionic  marble  columns,  quarried,  cut,  and  polished 
in  Italy.  These  columns  cost  $3,000  each,  and  have  been  pronounced 
by  competent  authorities  to  be  perfect  in  design  and  proportion. 

The  first  purchase  was  made  from  funds  transferred  from  the  appro- 
priation "Custom-houses  and  public  warehouses."  The  other  appro- 
priations on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  31,  1852.  August  18,  185H,  dune  25.  L860,  dune  17. 
1870,  July  15,  1X70,  May  18.  1872,  and  June  L0,  1872. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  1.275. <>!M>  feet.  It  is  heated 
by  hotwater.  open  grates,  and  stoves.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied 
is  fifty-eight,  assigned  principally  to  the  customs  service,  pension 
office,  subtreasury.  civil  service,  and  Light-House  Board. 

The  population  of  the  city  in  L820  was  i>2.73N,  and  in  L900  it  was 
508,957.  The  average  of  the  exports  and  imports  entered  at  the  port 
of  Baltimore  from  1885  to  1899  was  $70.137.5'.to  and  $12.s<»7.27o, 
respectively. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  LSI*!*,  provides  for  the  pur- 
chase of  additional  land  and  the  construction  of  a  new  building.  The 
land  was  purchased  August  15,  L899,  as  above  indicated.  An  act  of 
June  6,  1900,  made  an  appropriation  on  account  of  the  construction  of 
the  new  building,  which  will  be  erected  on  the  site  of  this  custom- 
house and  on  the  adjacent  land  purchased  in  1899. 


260 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-House,  etc.,  Baltimore,  Mi>. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


261 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC.,  BALTIMORE,  MD. 

This  building  fronts  west  on  Monument  square,  which  is  on  the  line 
of  Calvert  street,  and  extends  from  Lexington  street  on  the  north  to 
Fayette  street  on  the  south. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  June  20,  1878,  directed  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  the  Supervising  Architect,  and  the  engineer  officer  in 
charge  of  the  Fifth  light-house  district,  to  examine  into  and  report  to 
Congress  upon  the  necessity,  etc..  of  a  post-office  building  in  the  city 
of  Baltimore.  An  act  of  June  IS,  187!*,  authorized  the  selection  of 
a  site,  and  made  an  appropriation  for  the  condemnation  of  the  same: 
and  an  act  of  March  5,  lsso.  appropriated  for  the  purchase  of  the  site 
at  private  sale.  Between  August  21,  1880,  and  October  20,  1880,  the 
entire  block,  bounded  on  the  north  2N2  feet  by  Lexington  street,  on 
the  south  280  feet  by  Fayette  street,  on  the  east  240  feet  by  North 
street,  and  on  the  west  242  feet  by  Monument  square,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  portion  at  the  cornel-  of  Fayette  and  North  streets,  which 
was  secured  in  1859  as  a  site  for  the  court-house,  and  the  two  lots 
adjoining  it  on  the  north,  with  a  frontage  of  48  feet  6  inches  on  North 
street,  which  were  donated  by  the  city,  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of 
$550,000. 

A  contract  for  excavations  was  awarded  June  27.  ISM.  the  corner- 
stone was  laid  November  21,  L882,  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  in  March.  L890,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $1,534,278.23. 
The  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of  granite,  quarried  at  Cape  Ann. 
Mass. 

In  addition  to  the  acts  above  noted,  legislation  on  account  of  the 
building  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved  June  ltl.  lsso, 
March  3,  1881,  August  7.  L882,  March  3,  L883,  July  7.  1884,  March 
3,  1885,  August  4,  1886  (v.  24.  j).  28),  August  4.  1886  (v.  24,  p.  222), 
March  3,1887,  and  August  3<>,  lS'.Kl  (approaches,  etc.). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  3.53H,o<m>  feet.  The  number 
of  rooms  occupied  is  eighty-four,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
internal-revenue,  and  steamboat  inspection  services,  and  the  United 
States  courts.  It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  provided  with  three  pas- 
senger elevators,  two  mail  lifts,  and  one  ash  lift. 

The  internal-revenue  and  postal  receipts  during  1890  amounted  to 
$3,056,528.82  and  1668,912,33,  respectively,  and  during  the  year  1899 
to  $8,130,409.41  and  $1,109,670.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city 
was  434, 43! »,  and  in  1900 it  was  508,957. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


263 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  BARNSTABLE,  MASS. 

This  building  is  Located  on  ;i  lot  fronting  north  on  .Main  street  14i> 
feet  and  Loo  feet  deep.  The  ground  was  purchased  April  3<*.  Is  *>.■>, 
for  the  sum  of  $1,500,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied 
in  the  following  year,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *:!4.44:!.71. 
Southeast  of  the  main  building  on  the  Government  lot  is  a  one-story 
auxiliary  brick  structure  about  30  by  21  feet  in  plan. 

Appropriations  on  account  of  tin  building  are  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  L855,  and  August  1*.  l!S5ti. 

Its  cubic  contents  are  60,700  feet.  It  is  heated  by  a  hot-air  furnace, 
and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services. 

In  L870  the  population  of  Barnstable  was  4,793,  and  in  L900  it  was 
4,364. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


265 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  BOSTON.  MASS. 

This  building,  the  west  front  of  which  is  shown  in  the  illustration, 
is  located  at  the  junction  of  Commercial,  State.  Central,  and  India 
streets.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  September  13,  1837,  for 
$180,000,  and  by  donation  of  a  small  addition  from  the  city  of  Boston. 
July  24,  1868,  which  was  utilized  in  laying  out  the  approaches.  The 
Government  land  is  all  embraced  within  the  curl)  line  around  the 
building. 

It  was  completed  and  occupied  August  1.  Is47.  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  $884,346.70.  The  material  used  in  the  superstructure  is 
Quincy  (Mass.)  granite.  On  the  outside  of  the  building  are  thirty- 
two  monolithic  granite  columns.  20  feet  high. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  3.  1835.  May  9,  1836,  March  3.  1837.  March  :'».  1830. 
May  s,  1840,  March  8.  1841.  May  18.  1842.  December  24.  Is42.  May 
3,  1843.  June  17,  1844,  March  3.  1*45.  August  LO,  1846,  March  ::.  L847 
(furniture),  August  12,  1848  (outstanding  liabilities),  August  18.  L856 
(approaches),  March  :!.  1863  (approaches),  March  3.  1873  (repair-). 
June  23,  1873  (repairs),  and  June  20.  1878  (repair-). 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  711*, 200  feet.  It  is  occupied 
almost  entirely  by  the  customs  service,  thirty  rooms  in  all  being 
assigned  to  the  public  service,  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  provided 
with  a  hydraulic  freight  elevator. 

The  yearly  average  of  the  exports  and  imports  entered  at  this  port 
from  1885  to  181»i»  was  $80.7118.1182  and  $65,258,732,  respectively.  In 
1840  the  population  of  Boston  was  03.383  and  in  tOOo  it  was  560.802. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  Government  owned  a 
custom-house  on  what  was  called  Custom-House  street  in  Boston,  which 
»vas  purchased  July  81,  1816,  for  $20,000,  from  the  appropriation 
"Custom-houses  and  public  warehouses. "  The  property  was  sold 
September  2.  1847,  for  $18,158.  under  authority  conveyed  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  May  26,  1824,  and  April  28,  L828. 


266 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


267 


POST-OFFICE  AND  SUBTREASURY,  BOSTON.  MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  196.60  feet  by  Water 
street,  south  217.25  feet  by  Milk  street,  east  220.75  feet  by  Post-Office  square,  and  on 
the  west  2:57.75  feet  by  Devonshire  street. 

A  resolution  of  Congress  approved  .March  2,  1867,  appointed  a  committee,  consist- 
ing of  the  mayor  and  postmaster  of  Boston,  the  assistant  treasurer  of  the  Qui  ted 
States  at  that  city,  the  president  of  the  board  of  trade,  and  Alpheus  Hardy,  Daniel 
Davies,  and  John  A.  Andrew,  of  Boston,  to  select  a  .-ite  for  the  building.  They 
selected  the  land  extending  east  from  Devonshire  street  about  1 15  feet,  and  bounded 
by  Water  and  Milk  streets.  This  was  purchased  in  1808.  Work  on  the  foundations 
was  commenced  in  the  following  May,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  partially 
occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  1874. 

The  completion  of  the  building  was  somewhat  delayed  by  the  result  of  the  fire 
which  occurred  in  the  city  on  November  9-10,  1872,  and  it  is  stated  by  reliable 
authorities  that  the  structure  proved  a  most  effective  barrier  to  the  progress  of  the 
Haines,  and  rendered  practicable  their  arrest  by  the  tire  department.  The  event  is 
commemorated  by  a  tablet  in  the  corner  stone  of  the  building  at  the  corner  of  Milk 
and  Devonshire  streets,  on  which  is  the  following  inscription: 

"This  tablet,  placed  here  by  the  Bostonian  Society,  commemorates  the  great  fire  of 
November  9-10,  1872,  which,  beginning  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  Summer  and 
Kingston  streets,  extended  over  an  area  of  60  acres,  destroyed  within  the  business 
center  of  the  city  property  to  the  value  of  more  than  $00,000,000,  and  was  arrested 
in  its  easterly  progressat  this  point.  The  mutilated  stones  of  this  building  also  record 
that  event." 

The  remainder  of  the  block,  extending  to  Post-Office  square,  was  authorized  to  he 
secured  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1873.  It  was  secured  by  condem- 
nation, and  was  paid  for  under  authority  of  acts  of  July  31,  1876,  and  March  3,  1877. 
Work  on  the  extension,  which  extends  east  to  Post-Office  square  from  the  driveway 
through  the  building  from  Water  to  Milk  streets  and  embraces  the  main  front  shown 
in  the  illustration,  was  commenced  in  1875  and  completed  in  L885. 

The  total  cost  of  the  site  was  SI ,329, 095. S4  and  of  the  construction  of  the  build- 
ing $4,623,122.47.  The  stone  used  for  the  foundation  and  superstructure  is  (  ape 
Ann  (Mass. )  granite,  supplied  under  a  15  per  cent  contract  similar  to  that  explained 
in  connection  with  the  court-house  and  post-office  in  New  York  City. 

The  building  covers  an  area  of  about  4(5,000  square  feet,  and  has  a  cubic  content-  of 
5,008,100  feet.  It  is  occupied  by  the  post-office,  subtreasury,  United  State-  courts, 
pension  agency,  and  internal-revenue  service,  with  some  minor  Federal  offices, 
eighty  rooms  in  all  being  assigned  to  the  public  service.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and 
is  provided  with  elevator  service. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March 
12,  1868,  March  3,  18(50,  April  20,  1870,  July  15,  1870,  March  3,  1871  (vol.  16,  p.  509), 
March  3,  1871  (vol.  16,  p.  515),  March  3,  1873,  June  23,  1874,  July  31,  1876,  March 
3,  1877  (vol.  19,  p.  350),  March  3,  1877  (vol.  19.  p.  351  i,  April  30,  1878,  June 20, 1878, 
March  3,  1879,  June  16,  1880,  March  3,  1881,  August  7,  1882.  March  3,  1883,  May  1, 
1884  (furniture),  July  7,  1884,  March  3,  1885,  June  4,  1897  (money  vault),  July  1, 
1898  (pneumatic  tube  apparatus),  and  June  6,  1900  (alterations,  etc.). 

In  1870  the  population  of  Boston  was  250,526,  and  in  1900  it  was  560,892.  The 
postal  and  internal-revenue  receipts  have  increased  from  $1,507,529.79  and  $2,708,- 
014.29  in  1883  and  1875,  respectively,  to  $2,970,383.38  and  $8,153,620.36  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1899. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  United  States  courts  occupied  the 
Masonic  Temple  building,  on  the  corner  of  Tremont  street  and  Temple  place,  which 
was  purchased  October  14,  1858,  for  the  sum  of  $105,000.  under  authority  conveyed 
by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1857,  and  May  4,  185S.  The  property  was 
sold  at  public  auction  May  18,  1885,  for  $255,000,  under  authority  of  act  of  March 
3,  1885. 


2(58 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


269 


POST-OFFICE.  BROCKTON.  .MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  "round  hounded  on  the  north 
158  feet  t>  inches  by  Crescent  street  and  on  the  east  1  Is  feet  hy  Maple 
avenue. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  March  s,  ls'.tT.  for  *2o.ooo.  A 
contract  was  awarded  October  1.  L898,  for  the  erection  of  the  building 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  May  LO,  L900,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  '$54,7'.»l!.77. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  273,963  feet,  is  provided  with 
steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  2o,  ls;*r>,  March  2,  l>si»r>.  and  June  4,  lt>'.»7. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  L899,  the  gross  receipts  of  the 
Brockton  post-office  amounted  to  *f>4.7l2. »>.">.  In  L890  the  population 
of  the  city  was  27,294  and  in  1900  it  was  4o.ijtf3. 


270 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


271 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  FALL  RIVER,  MASS.' 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Bedford  and 
Second  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  159i  feet  on  the 
former  and  west  125  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land  was  secured  in  three 
purchases,  the  first  two  being  made  August  11.  1*73.  and  March  l'.». 
1*74-,  and  embraced  a  frontage  of  l.V.tA  feet  mi  Bedford  street  and  86 
feet  on  Second  street.  The  third  purchase,  made  February  It.  1884, 
secured  a  frontage  of  39  feet  on  Second  street.  The  amount  paid  for 
all  the  ground  was  $159,443.71.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the 
basement  and  area  wall.-  wa-  awarded  February  1  2.  1  S7»i.  and  t  he  build 
ing  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  summer  of  L882,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $360,135.54. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  21,  L872,  March  3,  1873,  March  3,  1*75.  duly  31.  lMf.. 
March  3,  1877,  April  30,  1878,  June  20,  1878,  March  3,  IS79,  dune  16, 
1880,  March  3,  1881,  and  August  7.  ISS2  (additional  land). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Maine  red  and  gray  granite.  It  con- 
tains a  cubic  area  of  704.000  feet  and  is  heated  by  hot-water  system. 
The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  thirteen,  assigned  principally  to  the 
postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  annual  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  about  $30,000.  During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899, 
they  were  $72,393.84.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  48,96] 
and  in  1900  it  was  104,863. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


273 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  August  4,  1854.  It  is  situated  on  a  plot  of  ground  on 
the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and  Pleasant  streets,  fronting  south  87 
feet  6  inches  on  the  former  and  west  L07  feet  »'>  indies  on  (he  latter. 
The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  March  11.  1855,  and  March  >'<. 
1857,  for  the  sum  of  $9,000,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  1858,  the  cost  of  construction  being  (40,858.82.  There  has 
also  been  constructed  on  the  northeast  corner  of  the  lot  a  small  one- 
story  brick  structure,  used  for  storage  purposes. 

The  building  is  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  and  contains  a  cubic 
area  of  115,000  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  and  customs  services. 

During  the  year  ended  June  .'5o,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $30,938.78.  In  1870  the  population  of  the  city  was  L5,389,  and  in 
1900  it  was  2*5,121. 

12242—01  18 


274 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


275 


POST-OFFIGE,  HAVERHILL  MASS. 

An  act  of  January  21,  1891,  authorized  this  building,  and  acts  of 
March  3,  1891,  and  March  2.  1895,  made  appropriations  therefor. 
December  20,  1892,  a  plot  of  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  for 
$2<U>(«>.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  81.08  feet  by  Washington  Square, 
on  the  east  150  feet  by  a  private  way  2;">  feet  wide,  called  Klliot  Place, 
and  on  the  south  and  west  85.45  feet  and  15o  feet  by  Washington 
Park.  The  building,  which  fronts  north  and  east,  was  commenced 
under  a  contract  awarded  June  16,  1894,  and  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  1895,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $62,636.41. 

The  basement  of  the  building  is  of  sandstone,  and  the  superstructure 
of  red  brick  with  sandstone  trimmings.  It  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
188,000  feet,  is  provided  w  ith  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  entirely  by 
the  postal  service. 

The  receipts  of  the  post-office  have  increased  from  $45.557.5o  during 
the  year  ended  dune  30,  1895,  to  $50,311.53  during  the  year  lNUs-ItH. 

In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  27.412  and  in  l!»oo  37.175, 
this  increase  being  due  somewhat  to  the  annexation  of  the  town  of 
Bradford. 


Post-Office,  Lowell,  Mass. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


277 


POST-OFFICE,  LOWELL  MASS. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  April  It  and  October  2.  ISSN,  and  March  2.  lSSH.  The 
site,  which  was  donated  February  11.  lsuo,  by  St.  lVter's  Church,  of 
Lowell,  is  bounded  on  the  east  L35.37  feet  by  Gorham  street,  which 
runs  north  and  south,  and  on  the  south  154.  IS  feet  by  Appleton  street, 
the  two  streets  forming  an  obtuse  angle  at  the  cornel-  of  the  lot. 

July  14,  1891,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  foundations  and  base- 
ment and  area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied 
April  1,  1  Sl».").  the  cost  of  construction  being  $l!t!».soo.<t:J,.  It  is  con- 
structed of  Deer  Island  (Me.)  granite,  and  contains  a  cubic  area  of 
517,375  feet,  which  above  the  basement  is  divided  into  twelve  room-, 
occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and  civil-service 
board.    Artificial  heat  is  supplied  from  a  hot-water  apparatus. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  fiscal  year  L898-99  were 
$153,743.30.  The  population  of  the  city  in  1890  was  77. •>'.'<;.  and  in 
1900  it  was  ;»4.(.H;;t. 


278 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


279 


POST-OFFICE.  LYNN.  MASS. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Juno 
3,  1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  30,  1890,  and  March 
3,  1891.  Under  dates  of  January  14,  1893,  and  June  1.  1894,  the  site 
was  secured  by  purchase  and  condemnation  for  $35,695.60.  It  has  a 
frontage  northwest  on  Liberty  street  of  151.15  feet,  northeast  on  Wil- 
low street  of  109.75  feet,  and  southwest  on  Washington  street  of  120 
feet. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  January 
1896,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  February  28, 
181»S,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $N9.<)-i2.77.  The  main  facade  is 
on  Liberty  street.  The  basement  walls  are  of  dressed  stone,  and  those 
of  the  superstructure  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings.  The  building 
contains  a  cubic  area  of  3^4, T'.m;  tret,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal, 
customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.     It  is  heated  by  steam. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30.  ls'.t'.l.  the  postal  receipts  aggregated 
$132,565.49.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  55,727,  and  in 
1900  it  was  68,513. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


281 


GOVERNMENT  BUILDINGS,  NEW  BEDFORD,  MASS. 

The  custom-house  and  post-office  buildings  shown  in  the  illustration 
are  two  separate  structures,  the  former  being  in  the  foreground.  They 
are  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north  1*7  feet  by  Wil- 
liam street,  on  the  east  80  feet  by  North  Second  street, and  on  the  west 
79.60  feet  by  Acushnet  avenue.  The  custom-house  fronts  on  North 
Second  street,  and  the  main  front  of  the  post-office  is  on  William 
street,  there  being  an  approach  to  the  latter  also  from  Acushnet 
avenue.    A  space  of  about  15  feet  separates  the  two  buildings. 

The  custom-house  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved 
July  L3,  1832,  and  other  appropriations  on  account  of  its  construction 
and  maintenance  were  made  by  acts  of  June  27.  1N34.  May  1*3*5, 
May  8,  1840.  and  May  15,  1850.  The  site  for  the  building  was  pur- 
chased April  22,  1833,  for  the  sum  of  K4.!»oo.  and  the  structure  was 
completed  in  ls:J,t;.  It  is  of  a  native  granite  and  cost  $25,500.  exclu- 
sive of  site.  The  building  contains  a  cubic  area  of  120.000  feet,  is 
heated  by  steam  furnished  by  one  boiler,  and  i»  occupied  by  the  cus- 
toms and  internal-revenue  services. 

Tin1  site  for  the  post-office  was  purchased  under  authority  of  acts  of 
February  20.  18S5,  and  August  4.  1886,  and  the  title  to  the  land  was 
secured  January  L9,  1886,  and  February  19,  1887,  for  the  sum  of 
$13,5oo,  making  the  total  cost  of  the  Government  lot  $48,400.  Acts 
of  March  3,  1887,  and  April  5,  1892,  appropriated  funds  on  account  of 
the  new  building,  the  former  for  construction  and  the  latter  for  some 
improvements  required.  A  contract  for  its  erection  was  awarded 
December  1.  1890,  and  the  structure  was  occupied  April  l.  1893,  at 
which  time  the  postal  officials  vacated  the  portion  of  the  custom-house 
formerly  occupied  by  them.  This  building  is  constructed  of  Portland 
(Conn.)  brown  sandstone,  and  cost  $105,116.5*5.  exclusive  of  ground. 
It  contains  an  area  of  312.734  cubic  feet,  and  is  occupied  entirely  by 
the  post-office.    Steam  heat  is  supplied  from  two  boilers. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  I.SD3,  and  June  30,  15M)0.  the  gross 
postal  receipts  were  $57. 175.23  and  $7<U525. 17.  respectively.  In  1S3)5, 
when  the  custom-house  was  completed,  the  population  of  New  Bed- 
ford was  11,113.    In  lS'M  it  was  40,733,  and  in  L900,  62.442. 


282 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


283 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  NEWBTRYPORT.  MASS. 

This  building  is  situated  on  the  north  side  of  Water  street,  on  a  plot 
of  ground  with  a  frontage  of  44  feet,  and  extending  north  3:>o  feet  to 
the  Merrimac  River,  there  being  a  public  way  on  each  side  of  the  lot. 
It  was  provided  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  -J.  1833,  and 
June  27.  1834.  The  land  was  secured  October  30.  IS33.  by  purchase, 
for  the  sum  of  $3.ooo.  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
1835,  the  cost  of  construction  being  #20,188.50.  It  is  constructed  of 
granite  and  contains  an  area  of  lis. 000  cubic  feet.  The  building  is 
occupied  by  the  customs  and  internal-revenue  services  and  is  heated 
by  stoves. 

While  the  deed  under  which  this  land  was  secured  conveyed  a  lot 
extending  330  feet  north  from  Water  street,  it  i<  probable  that  the 
north  line  was  at  low-water  mark,  as  the  tides  at  that  time  rose  to  a 
point  near  the  building.  About  1871  IK73  railroad  tracks  were  laid 
along  the  river  front,  and  the  rear  of  the  custom-house  lot  was  tilled  in 
to  run  the  tracks  to  the  coal  pocket  of  the  Philadelphia  and  Reading 
Coal  and  Iron  Company  on  the  adjoining  property.  A  bulkhead  sev- 
eral  hundred  feet  long  was  also  constructed  along  the  river  front.  On 
the  custom-house  lot,  near  the  river,  is  located  the  weigher's  ollice  of 
the  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Coal  and  Iron  Company. 

When  this  custom-house  was  first  occupied  in  Is.'!."),  the  population 
of  the  city  was  about  6,500.    In  L900  it  was  14.47s. 


284 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  Salem,  Mass. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


285 


GUSTOM-HODSE,  SALEM,  MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Derby  and  Orange 
streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  sontli  about  <>.">  feet  on  the  former 
and  about  200  feet  deep  along-  the  latter.  The  north  line  of  the  lot  is 
about  87  feet.    It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  a  private  passageway. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  July  1  1.  lslN,  for  the  sum  of 
$5,000,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part 
of  1811),  the  cost  of  construction  being  $14-.^71.77.  It  is  constructed 
principally  of  red  brick,  contains  an  area  of  235,000  cubic  feet,  and  is 
occupied  throughout  by  the  customs  service.  Heat  is  supplied  by  two 
hot-aii1  furnaces.  The  funds  for  the  building  and  ground  were  trans- 
ferred from  the  appropriation  "Custom-houses  and  public  ware- 
houses." An  act  of  February  17,  L836,  appropriated  funds  to  pay  for 
the  services  of  the  superintendent  of  construction. 

In  1820  the  population  of  Salem  was  1  l.H-li!.  and  in  lltoo  it  wsis  :•*•}.!»*><;. 

Between  the  years  1846  and  184!*  Nathaniel  Hawthorne,  the  great 
romancer,  was  surveyor  of  customs  at  this  port,  and  occupied  as  his 
office  the  room  on  the  main  floor  of  this  building  at  the  corner  of  the 
two  streets.  In  the  preface  to  tin1  "Scarlet  Letter"  he  makes  refer- 
ence to  this  building  and  to  the  eagle  over  the  main  entrance. 


286 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


287 


POST-OFFICE,  SPRINGFIELD.  MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north- 
east 75  feet  10  inches  by  Main  street,  on  the  northwest  lt>o  feet  by 
Fort  street,  and  on  the  southeast  L60  feet  by  Worthington  street,  the 
principal  entrances  being  on  the  northeast  and  southeast  sides. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  November  15,  1887,  for  (18,500. 
The  deed  of  conveyance  also  provides  that  a  strip  of  ground  20  feet 
wide,  adjoining  the  above-described  lot  on  the  westerly  side,  may  be 
kept  open  forever  as  a  common  passageway  for  those  occupying  the 
estate  on  either  side. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  October  5, 
1888,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  March  1.  ls;»l.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $130. 8t>0.<!*i.  The  walls  of  the  superstructure 
are  of  Longmeadow  (Mass.)  brownstone. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  3S7.221  feet.  It  contains 
thirteen  rooms  besides  the  first  floor  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the 
postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.  It  is  heated  by  a  hot- 
water  system  and  is  provided  with  a  hydraulic  freight  elevator. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  January 
3,  1887,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3.  IssT.  and  October 
2,  1888. 

Acts  of  March  2  and  March  3.  1899.  respectively,  authorized  and 
appropriated  foran  extension  of  the  building.  A  contract  was  awarded 
duly  13,  1900,  for  the  performance  of  the  work.  The  extension  is  to 
be  one  story  on  the  southeast  side  and  carried  out  to  the  building  line, 
the  entrance  being  moved  forward. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  (128,871.28  in  1892  to 
$191,650.07  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899.  In  1890  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  4-1,179  and  in  1900  it  was  62,059. 


288 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


289 


POST-OFFICE,  TAUNTON,  MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north 
and  west  153.35  feet  and  95.5  feet,  respectively,  by  Crockei  square,  on 
the  south  156.20  feet  by  Cohannet  street,  and  on  the  east  13f>  feet  by 
the  city  square  with  its  main  front  on  the  latter.  The  land  was 
donated  to  the  United  States  by  the  city  of  Taunton.  .July  13.  1892. 
The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  June  •>•>.  IM»5, 
for  trench  excavation,  etc.,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  -July  1, 
1S!>7.  It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  .January  2,  1891,  and  March  3,  1891,  and  the  cost  of  con- 
struct ion  was  174,756.14. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  3<>o,3t'>3  feet.  It  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  service,  and  is  supplied  with  steam  heat. 

The  postal  receipts  in  1S!»7  were  about  £35,<mmi  and  in  l'.HHt  about 
142,000.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  i>5,44S  and  in  L900  it 
was  31,0h6. 

12242— (11  L9 


290 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Worcester,  Mass. 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


291 


POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  WORCESTER.  MASS. 

This  building  is  located  on  an  irregular  shaped  plot  of  ground, 
bounded  on  the  north  59  feet  2  inches  by  Burnside  court,  cast  191  feet 
8  inches  by  Southbridge  street,  south  151  feet  2  inches  by  Myrtle 
street,  and  west  168  feet  11  inches  by  Main  street.  The  tower 
entrance  is  on  the  north  side. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  November  9,  18S7,  for  $75,000. 
A  contract  was  awarded  June  27,  1892,  for  trench  excavation,  founda- 
tions, and  basement  and  area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed 
and  occupied  February  20,  1897,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$327,622.(15.    The  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of  Vermont  marble. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  January  29.  INST,  March  3.  ISST.  October  2.  l 
March  3,  L889,  February  16,  1891  (extending  limit  of  cost).  March  3, 
1891,  August  18,  1894,  March  2,  1895,  and  June  4.  1897  (alterations  in 
post-office). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  94S,O0<>  feet.  It  is  heated 
by  steam,  and  is  occupied  almost  entirely  by  the  postal  service. 

During  the  years  ended  June  3<>,  1S!»7,  and  June  30.  ls'tit.  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  $206,431  and  $225,002.26,  respectively.  Ln  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  84,655  and  in  1900  it  was  118,421. 


HISTORY   OV  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


293 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE.  AND  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  BAY  CITY,  MICH. 

January  25,  1890,  the  block  hounded  on  the  north  by  Third  street, 
south  by  Fourth  .street,  east  by  Adam  street,  and  west  by  Washington 
avenue,  was  secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of  $40,000.  This  block 
has  a  frontage  of  220  feet  north  and  south,  and  300  feel  east  and  west. 

The  court-house,  post-office,  and  custom-house  located  thereon  was 
commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  September  14.  1891,  and  com- 
pleted and  occupied  December  lit.  L893,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$160,657.1!'.  It  is  located  about  midway  between  Third  and  Fourth 
streets,  and  fronts  on  Washington  avenue,  which  is  loo  feet  wide,  the 
other  bounding  streets  having  a  width  of  60  feet  each. 

The  legislation  providing  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  ap]  >roved 
dune  19,  L888,  October  2,  1888,  and  .March  2,  1  ssi».  An  act  of  August 
23,  1N!)4,  provided  for  laving  brick  walks,  which  work  was  performed 
during  the  following  year. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  441,!»4»i  feet,  and  is  heated  by 
steam.  Thirteen  rooms  are  occupied,  they  being  assigned  principally 
to  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  the  I'nited 
States  courts. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1890,  the  customs  receipts  at  this 
port  aggregated  $29.o«4. 42,  and  the  gross  postal  receipts  $36,371.79. 
In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  27,839,  and  in  i900  it  was  27,628. 


2U4 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Detroit,  Mich. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


295 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  DETROIT,  MICH. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  and  smith  288  feet  each 
by  Lafayette  avenue  and  Fort  street,  respectively,  and  on  the  east  and  west  2so  feet 
by  Shelby  and  Wayne  streets.    The  main  facade  is  on  Fort  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  two  purchases,  the  former,  consisting  of  the  smith  half 
of  the  block,  being  effected  December  5,  1885,  for  $165,000,  and  the  latter  in  Decem- 
ber, 1887,  for  the  sum  of  $235,000.  A  contract  for  trench  exc  avation  and  basement 
and  area  walls  was  awarded  July  5,  1890,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied November  27,  1897,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $1, IMS, .'.15. 24. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved  May  25,  1882, 
August  7,  1882,  March  2,  1885,  March  3,  1885,  August  4,  1880,  March  3,  1S87  i  v.  24.  p. 
468),  March  3,  1887  (v.  24,  p.  510),  October  2,  1888,  March  2,  1889  (v.  25,  p.  863), 
March  2,  1889  ( v.  25,  p.  939) ,  March  2,  1895,  June  10,  I89fi  i  tablet),  and  June  11.  1890. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone,  covers  an  area  of  about 
150  by  186  feet,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  2,717,500  feet. 

The  basement  is  occupied  by  the  appraiser's  warehouse,  boiler  and  engine  rooms, 
and  by  quarters  for  a  portion  of  the  post-oflice  force. 

The  first  Boor  is  taken  up  entirely  by  the  post-office,  the  working  room  with  its 
glass  roof  situated  under  the  cortile,  occupying  the  major  portion  of  the  floor.  This 
room  is  surrounded  and  separated  from  the  public  corridors  by  a  screen  of  white  oak 
between  columns  of  scagliola.  These  corridors  have  marble  wainscoting  and  ceilings 
in  paneled  oak,  while  the  floors  are  laid  with  marble  mosaic.  The  vaulted  ceilings 
and  dome  of  the  tower  entrance  are  further  enriched  by  the  use  of  glass  mosaic. 

The  rooms  of  the  postmaster  and  assistant  postmaster  have  paneled  wood  wainscot 
and  wood  floors.  The  money-order  and  registry  divisions  also  on  this  floor  are  sepa- 
rated from  the  main  corridor  by  screens  of  marble  and  brass. 

The  main  stairs  are  of  cast  and  wrought  iron  finished  in  electro-bronze  with  treads 
of  marble,  while  a  marble  wainscot  corresponding  to  that  in  the  corridors  follow  s  the 
rake  of  the  stairs.  The  elevator  screen  work  of  w  rought  iron  corresponds  to  the  finish 
of  the  stairs. 

The  second  floor  is  occupied  by  the  offices  of  the  Customs,  Internal-Revenue,  and 
Life-Saving  Service  officials,  with  the  necessary  vaults,  toilet  rooms,  etc.  The  whole 
story  is  finished  in  oak  with  the  exception  of  screens  in  the  principal  offices,  these 
being  of  marble  and  brass.  The  floors  of  corridors  and  public  spaces  generally  are 
of  marble  mosaic. 

Above  the  lirst  story  the  corridors  are  in  the  form  of  a  colonnade  o|iening  upon 
the  cortile. 

The  third  floor  is  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  courts,  with  their  necessary  rooms  and 
offices.  The  circuit  court  room  is  finished  largely  in  marble  and  mosaic,  w  hile  the 
district  court  room  has  a  high  wainscot  of  Fast  India  mahogany,  w  ith  a  ceiling  of 
oak  beams  and  panels  of  glass  mosaic. 

The  fourth  floor  is  devoted  to  various  Government  oflice: — Light-House  Hoard, 
Marine-Hospital  Service,  Railway  Mail  Service,  Civil  Service  Commission,  etc.,  and 
the  finish  is  generally  similar  to  that  of  the  second  floor. 

The  building  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  provided  with  four  hydraulic  elevators — two 
passenger  and  two  freight. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  receipts 
amounted  to  $676,017.89  and  $3,93(5,209.50,  respectively.  The  average  yearly  value 
of  exports  and  imports  entered  at  the  port  of  Detroit  from  1885  to  1X99  was  $7,641,152 
and  $2,777,107,  respectively.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  citv  was  205.876,  and  in 
1900  it  was  285,704. 

The  site  of  this  building  is  substantially  that  of  Fort  Lemoult,  an  Knglish  fort 
erected  in  1778  by  Maj.  R.  15.  Lernoult,  a  British  officer,  as  defense  against  the  Ameri- 
cans. It  was  subsequently  called  Fort  Shelby  and  was  demolished  in  1820.  Com- 
memorative of  these  facts  an  inscribed  bronze  tablet  has  been  placed  in  the  buttress 
at  the  left  of  the  tower  entrance,  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  Congress  approved 
June  10,  1896. 


296 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKV   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


297 


(TSTOM-HOrSE,  DETROIT.  MICH. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Larned  and  (iris- 
wold  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  21u  feet  on  the  former 
and  east  120  feet  on  the  latter.    It  is  hounded  on  the  north  by  an  alley. 

February  20,  1856,  the  site  for  the  main  building,  fronting  llo  feet 
on  Larned  street  and  120  feet  on  Griswold  street,  was  purchased  for 
$24,000,  and  on  January  30,  L860,  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $182,733. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  4.  1854:  March  3,  1855;  August  18,  1856;  April  20, 
1870  (rooting),  and  duly  15,  INTO  (repairs),  in  addition  to  which  funds 
were  transferred  March  3,  185!»,  from  appropriations  for  other  buildings. 

Acts  of  May  25,  1882,  and  August  7.  1882.  authorized  and  appropri- 
ated for  the  construction  of  a  new  building  or  the  extension  of  the 
present  building.  The  latter  alternative  being  selected  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury,  additional  land  with  loo  feet  frontage  on  Larned 
street  and  extending  bach  to  the  alley  was  purchased  under  dates  of 
February  2,  1883,  and  April  4,  1883,  for  $87,881.49,  and  the  concrete 
footings  laid  for  the  proposed  extension.  Work  was  suspended  under 
petitions  from  the  common  council  of  Detroit,  and  an  act  of  March  3, 
1885,  authorized  the  reopening  of  the  question  of  site  for  the  new 
building,  and  in  the  event  that  a  new  site  was  selected,  the  sale  of  the 
property  at  Larned  and  Griswold  streets.  In  pursuance  of  this 
authority,  a  new  site  was  selected  for  the  present  court  house,  post- 
office,  etc.  building  on  Lafayette  avenue.  Fort,  Shelby,  and  Wayne 
streets. 

The  one-story  frame  annex  shown  in  the  illustration,  which  extends 
back  to  the  alley,  was  constructed  under  a  contract  awarded  March  22. 
18!H).  from  the  annual  appropriation  for  *'  Repairs  and  preservation  of 
public  buildings." 

Acts  of  duly  1,  1898,  and  July  7,  1898,  respectively,  provided  that 
the  building  be  retained,  and  authorized  its  repair  and  renovation  at  a 
cost  of  $20,000.  This  work  was  performed  after  the  transfer  of  the 
post-office,  etc.,  to  the  new  building,  and  after  the  completion  of  the 
alterations  it  was  reassigned  principally  to  the  custom-  and  steamboat 
inspection  services,  and  pension  agent  and  examiners.  The  building 
contains  a  cubic  space  of  451,000  feet  and  is  heated  by  steam. 

In  1800,  when  this  building  was  completed,  the  population  of  Detroit 
was  45, (illt.     In  p.too  it  had  increased  to  285,704. 

Prior  to  the  acquisition  of  this  custom-house  property  the  I'nited 
States  owned  a  lot  on  Woodbridge  street,  which  was  purchased  Novem- 
ber 30,  1832,  and  the  Hank  of  Michigan  property,  which  was  secured 
in  1842,  in  satisfaction  of  a  judgment.  The  bank  building  was  author- 
ized by  an  act  of  March  3.  1843.  to  be  altered  and  adapted  for  use  by 
the  courts  and  post-oflice,  and  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made 
by  acts  of  August  12,  1848,  September  30.  1850,  and  March  3.  1851. 
The  bank  property  and  the  lot  on  Woodbridge  street  were  sold  in  L855 
and  in  1857,  respectively,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  March  3.  1855, 
$16,800  having  been  received  for  the  former  and  $15. 000  for  the  latter. 


298  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


299 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  GRAND  RAPIDS,  MICH. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruary 21,  1873,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  June  23,  1*74.  March 
3,  1875,  July  31,  187(5,  March  3,  1877,  and  dune  20,  L878. 

The  site  was  secured  by  condemnation  August  •'>.  L874,  at  a  total 
cost  of  $69,996.  It  is  hounded  on  the  north  by  Lyon  street.  1  s-k  15 
feet;  east  by  Division  street,  2f!6.5  feet;  south  by  Pearl  street,  18<».  78 
feet,  and  west  by  Ionia  street.  260.40  feet. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
September  25,  187t>.  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
the  latter  part  of  1879,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $141,413.03. 

The  building  fronts  on  Ionia  street,  about  midway  between  Lyon 
and  Pearl  streets,  and  occupies  the  western  half  of  the  square  above 
described.  It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  and  con- 
tains a  cubic  space  of  524,500  feet.  It  is  provided  with  heat  by  a  hot- 
water  apparatus,  and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal-revenue  services.  United  States  courts,  and  pension  examiners. 
Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  devoted  entirely  to  the  postal  service, 
the  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  seventeen. 

Since  the  occupation  of  the  building  the  postal  receipts  have  increased 
from  about  $40,000  per  annum  to  *212,192.59  in  the  fiscal  year  L898-99. 
The  collections  from  internal  revenue  during  the  year  ended  dune  :'.<». 
1899,  were  §707,585.99.  The  population  of  the  city  has  increased 
from  32,0Ki  in  1880  to  87,5*>5  in  1900. 

The  electric  car  show  n  at  the  rear  of  the  building  in  the  acc  pain  - 
ing illustration  is  on  a  t  rack  extending  across  the  lot  from  Pearl  to 
Lyon  streets  to  facilitate  delivery  of  mail,  authority  for  the  laving  of 
the  track  having  been  conveyed  by  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  dated  December  7.  L899. 


300 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


301 


POST-OFFICE,  JACKSON.  MICH, 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Washington  and 
Mechanic  streets,  with  the  main  entrance  on  the  latter.  The  lot  is  132 
feet  square,  bounded  also  by  a  l*!|-foot  alley  on  the  west  side,  and  wa.s 
secured  by  purchase  February  11,  1890,  for  the  sum  of  $13,200. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  January  11, 
18!»2,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  February  1,  lfS'.*5,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $91,564.70. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  21,  1888,  March  2.  ls.s'.t.  August  30,  1890.  and  March 
3,  1893, 

It  is  constructed  of  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone,  has  a  cubic  content- 
of  250,291  feet,  is  provided  with  furnace  heat  and  is  occupied  prin- 
cipally by  the  postal  service. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  post-oflice  receipts 
amounted  to  $54,834.*;.").  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
20,798,  and  in  1900  it  wa.s  25,180. 


Post-Office,  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


303 


FOST-OFFK'K.  KALAMAZOO.  MICH. 

The  post-office  building  at  Kalamazoo.  Mich.,  was  authorized  and 
appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  l.  issit.  The 
site,  which  has  a  frontage  north  of  132  feet  on  South  street,  and  east 
of  165  feet  on  Burdick  street,  was  secured  by  purchase  March  14. 
1890,  for  the  sum  of  £(5,000.  and  a  contract  for  the  erection  of  the 
building  was  entered  into  October  '21,  1890.  The  -tincture  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  February  13,  1892,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$08,848.47. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick,  with  Lake  Superior  sand- 
stone trimmings,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  230,000  feet.  It  is 
provided  with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal 
revenue  services.  United  States  courts,  and  pension  examiners. 

Besides  the  tirst  floor,  which  is  used  exclusively  by  the  post-office, 
the  number  of  rooms  assigned  is  six. 

In  1891  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $v>o,ooo,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  Ho.  18!»i».  they  aggregated  $71,054.86.  In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  17,853,  and  in  1900  it  was  ^4.4o4. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


305 


POST-OFFICE,  LANSING,  MICH. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  9,  1890,  and  August  5,  l8i»2.  The  site  was  secured 
November  14,  1890,  by  condemnation,  the  amount  of  the  award  being 
$17,666.06.  Tt  is  about  182  feet  square,  and  is  hounded  on  the  west 
by  Capitol  avenue  and  on  the  south  by  Michigan  avenue. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  December 
22,  1891,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  April  1.  ls'.t-l, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  (106,120.69.  It  is  of  Cleveland  (Ohio) 
blue  sandstone,  and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  1.35,000  feet.  It  is  pro- 
vided with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service.  Weather 
Bureau,  pension  examiners,  and  civil-service  board,  the  Dumber  of 
rooms  assigned  being  eight. 

During  the  years  ended  dune  30,  18!»4  and  L899,  the  gross  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  $42,200  and  &ti<i,.")02.22,  respectively.     In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  13,102,  and  in  1900  it  was  10.485. 
12242—01  20 


306 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Marquette,  Mich. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


3U7 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  MARQUETTE.  MICH. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  July 
27,  1882,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  7.  1882,  and  March 
3, 1885.  The  site  was  purchased  July  10, 1883,  for  the  sum  of  $0,000, 
$2,000  of  which  was  subscribed  by  citizens  of  Marquette.  It  is  sit- 
uated on  the  northwest  corner  of  Third  and  Washington  streets, 
bounded  on  the  east  150  feet  by  the  former,  and  on  the  south  l~o  feet 
by  the  latter.  After  the  purchase  of  the  ground  efforts  were  made  to 
secure  from  Congress  an  extension  of  the  limit  of  cost,  but  without 
success,  and  on  May  3,  1888,  a  contract  was  entered  into  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  building,  it  being  completed  and  occupied  duly  3, 
1889.  The  cost  of  construction  was  273.  The  building  is  con- 
structed of  brick  with  brownstone  trimmings,  contains  a  space  of 
348,000  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  from  one  boiler.  It  i>  occu- 
pied principally  by  the  postal  and  customs  services.  I'nited  States 
courts,  land  office,  and  Weather  Jbireau. 

In  188!)  the  gross  postal  receipts  aggregated  about  *0.5nn,  and  din  - 
ing the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  they  were  $18,551.84.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  city  in  1800  was  0,093,  and  in  1000  it  was  L0,058. 


308 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


309 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  POUT  HURON,  MICH. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Sixth  and  Water 
.streets,  on  a  plot  of  "round  purchased  March  14.  1*73.  for  the  sum  of 
15,000.  The  site  fronts  north  about  14<»  feet  on  Water  street,  west 
215  feet  on  Sixth  street,  and  east  175  feet  on  a  40-foot  alley.  At  the 
northwest  corner  of  the  lot  Water  and  Sixth  streets  form  an  angle  of 
70°  22',  the  latter  extending  north  and  south. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  1873,  and  the  structure 
was  completed  and  occupied  in  May.  ls77.  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $240,703.34. 

The  basement  walls  are  of  limestone  quarried  near  Sandusky.  Ohio, 
and  those  of  the  superstructure  of  sandstone  from  Amherst.  Ohio. 
The  building  has  a  contents  of  544,200  cubic  feet,  and  is  provided 
with  a  steam-heating  apparatus  (direct  and  indirect  radiation),  which 
is  operated  by  one  boiler.  There  are  fifteen  office  rooms,  most  of 
which  are  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services,  inspectors  of 
boilers  and  hulls.  United  States  engineers,  and  the  Weather  Bureau. 
At  the  west  end  of  the  second  story  a  court  room  has  been  constructed, 
but  has  not  for  some  years  been  used  for  the  purpose  designed. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  June  10,  L872,  March  3.  IS73,  June  23.  1*74. 
March  3,  L875,  July  31,  1870.  and  March  3.  1877  (approaches,  furni- 
ture, etc.). 

During  the  year  ended  June  30.  IS!)!),  the  gross  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  $34,478.10.  In  1870  the  population  of  Port  Huron  was 
5,793  and  in  1900  it  was  1!),158. 


310 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


311 


POST-OFFICE.  SAGINAW,  MICH. 

This  building  \v;is  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  3,  1891. 

March  18, 1892,  the  city  of  Saginaw  donated  to  the  United  State-  as 
a  site  a  plot  of  ground  about  240  feet  square,  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Germania  avenue,  on  the  east  by  Warren  avenue,  on  the  west  by  Jef- 
ferson avenue,  and  on  the  south  by  the  Iloyt  Library  property.  In 
compliance  with  an  act  of  August  27,  1894,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, under  date  of  .January  9,  1896,  deeded  back  to  the  city  a  strip  of 
this  ground  fronting  90  feet  on  Germania  avenue  and  extending  back 
along  Warren  avenue,  and  again  on  December  16,  1*90.  the  city 
reconveyed  this  strip  to  the  United  States. 

Building  operations  were  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
November  25,  1896,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
July  4,  1898. 

In  design  it  is  the  French  chateau  style  of  the  seventeenth  century, 
this  style  being  adopted  because  of  it-  especial  appropriateness  for  the 
site  upon  which  the  building  is  located — light,  airy,  and  apart  from 
other  buildings.  It  fronts  north  and  west  on  Germania  and  Jefferson 
avenues,  and  is  constructed  of  Bedford  (Ind.)  Limestone,  with  granite 
entrance  steps,  platforms,  etc.  The  cubic  contents  are  350,659  feet 
and  the  cost  of  construction  £98.613.52.  It  is  provided  with  steam 
heat  from  one  boiler  (direct  and  indirect  radiation),  and  is  occupied  by 
the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services  and  special  pension 
examiners.  On  the  south  side,  between  the  post-office  and  the  Iloyt 
library  shown  in  the  background  of  the  accompanying  illustration,  is 
a  wide  strip  of  ground  (about  LIS  feet)  extending  between  Jefferson 
and  Warren  avenues  which  Congress,  by  an  act  approved  January  25, 
L899,  has  authorized  to  be  used  by  the  city  as  a  public  park. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  year  ended  June  :->o, 
1899,  were  $64,286.85.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  46,322 
and  in  1900  it  was  42,345. 


312 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


313 


COURT-HOUSE.  CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  PULUTH.  MINN. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  cost  of  same  limited  to  &150.ooo 
b}'  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  4.  1S88.  This  limit  was  extended 
by  an  act  of  June  21,  1890,  to  $270,000.  The  appropriations  for  the 
building  were  made  by  acts  of  October  2.  1SSS.  March  2.  1SS1*.  and 
March  3.  1891. 

duly  3,  18S9,  a  site  was  purchased  for  $18,500,  being  on  the  north 
corner  of  First  street  and  Fifth  avenue  west,  fronting  southeast  180 
feet  3  j  J,  inches  on  the  former  and  southwest  140  feet  on  the  latter.  It 
is  bounded  on  the  northwest  side  by  a  20-foot  alley.  Fifth  avenue  and 
First  street  are  each  66  feet  wide. 

A  contract  for  excavations,  masonry,  etc..  was  awarded  August  17. 
1891,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  September,  L894, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $251,416.51. 

It  is  constructed  of  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone,  bas  a  cubic  contents 
of  i>44.526  feet,  is  supplied  with  steam  heat,  also  open  grates,  and  is 
equipped  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  Besides  the  first  floor, 
which  is  used  entirely  by  the  post-office,  the  number  of  rooms  occupied 
is  twenty-four,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  customs  and 
internal-revenue  services.  Fnited  States  courts,  land  office,  special 
agents,  inspectors  of  boilers  and  hulls,  and  the  Weather  Bureau. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  fiscal  year  1898-99 
were  $90,448.05.  Customs  receipts  for  the  fiscal  year  1894-95  were 
$7,1)05,  and  in  181*8-99,  $5. Sis.  Arrivals  and  clearances  of  vessels  in 
1894  were -1,514,  and  in  is;*'.*.  (>,*571.  Receipts  of  the  land  office  for 
quarters  ending  December  31,  1894.  and  March  31,  L900,  were 
$21.08(5.49  and  1641*. 57*5. 77,  respectively.  The  population  of  the  city 
in  1890  was  33,115  and  in  1900  it  was  52,9(51*. 


314 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Mankato,  Minn. 


HISTORY   OF    PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


315 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  MANKATO.  MINN, 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  -~.  Ls'.'l.  authorized  this 
building  and  funds  for  its  construction  were  appropriated  by  an  act  of 
March  26,  1891.  A  plot  of  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  February 
13,  1892,  for  #5,775,  fronting  northwest  140  feet  on  Second  street,  and 
northeast  157  feet  H  inches  on  Jackson  st  reet.  and  bounded  on  the  south- 
east by  a  15-foot  alley.  A  contract  for  the  commencement  of  the 
building  was  awarded  November  1!».  L892,  and  the  structure  was  80 
far  completed  as  to  permit  the  occupation  of  the  first  floor  by  the  post- 
ofhce  April  1,  ls'.tti.  The  remainder  of  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  soon  afterwards,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $!i:-i.(ii".N5. 

Under  the  provisions  of  a  resolution  of  Congress  approved  January 
IT,  L896,  work  on  the  interior  finish  was  performed  in  excess  of  the 
original  estimate,  but  within  the  limit  of  the  appropriation  of  March 
26,  lb91.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-office  and 
the  second  floor  and  two  rooms  in  the  attic  by  the  United  State- 
courts. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  306,000  feet  and  is  heated  by 
steam  supplied  from  two  boilers.  The  stone  used  in  construction  is  a 
limestone  quarried  at  Kaosta.  Minn.  The  main  front  of  the  building 
is  on  Second  street,  there  being  a  public  entrance  also  from  Jackson 
street. 

In  lN'.lT  the  postal  receipts  were  <>71.s5  and  (luring  the  year 
ended  June  30,  1899,  they  aggregated  $24,066.  is.  [n  1890  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  S,.S38  and  in  1900  it  was  L0,599. 


316 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


317 


POST-OFFICE,  FTC.  MINNEAPOLIS,  MINN. 

Under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  April  1 L,  1882,  the 
original  purchase  of  thesitefor  this  building  was  made  on  duly  28.  ls.s:;. 
The  excavations  were  completed  when  work  was  suspended,  and  addi- 
tional land  purchased  under  an  act  of  July  7.  1  ss4.  This  second  plot  of 
ground  was  secured  October  28,  1884.  making  a  total  frontage  of  198 
feet  on  Third  street,  on  the  northeast  side,  and  155  feet  on  First  ave- 
nue south,  on  the  northwest  side,  the  total  purchase  price  being 
$92,000.    The  lot  is  bounded  on  the  southwest  side  by  a  20-foot  alley. 

The  excavations  were  extended  and  the  concrete  foundations  laid  in 
the  summer  of  1885.  The  building  was  completed  in  November,  1S89, 
with  exception  of  a  passenger  elevator  and  approaches,  and  was  occu- 
pied at  that  time.  The  additional  items  were  completed  soon  after- 
wards, making  the  total  cost  of  the  building,  exclusive  of  site, 
$548,678.21. 

In  addition  to  the  acts  above  noted,  appropriations  on  account  of  the 
building  were  made  by  acts  of  March  3.  1883:  March  3,  1885;  August 
4,  188(1;  March  3,  1887;  October  2.  1888.  and  October  l!».  1888. 
Under  an  act  of  August  5,  1892,  repairs  and  painting  were  performed 
at  the  building  at  a  cost  of  about  $10,000. 

An  extension  consisting  of  a  basement  and  one  story  was  authorized 
by  an  act  of  March  2,  1899,  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March 
3,  1899.  July  8,  1899,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  erection  of  the 
same,  together  with  certain  alterations  in  the  interior  of  the  building, 
all  of  which  work  was  completed  in  the  summer  of  1900,  at  a  cost  of 
$55,000.  The  extension  is  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  building,  and 
is  30  feet  24-  inches  wide  by  151  feet  3  inches  long. 

The  building,  which  is  constructed  of  Berea  (Ohio)  sandstone,  has  a 
contents  of  l,58l,0()()  cubic  feet.  It  is  occupied  principally  by  the 
postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.  I  nited  State's  courts, 
civil-service  board,  and  Weather  Bureau.  There  are  three  elevators, 
one  passenger  and  two  freight,  which,  together  with  the  steam-heating 
apparatus,  are  operated  by  tive  boilers  equipped  with  Ilawlev  down- 
draft  furnaces. 

In  1889  the  postal  receipts  aggregated  $296,487,  and  during  the  year 
ended  June  30,  1899,  they  amounted  to  $»>o7,342.75.  In  1880  the  pop- 
ulation of  the  city  was  46,887,  and  in  1900  it  was  202,718. 


318 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Oi'stom-House,  etc.,  St.  Paul,  Minn. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


319 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  ETC.,  ST.  PAUL,  MINN. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  hounded  on  the  east 
105  feet  by  Wabasha  street,  and  on  the  south  lt'.o  feet  by  Fifth  street. 
The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  September  19,  ls*>7.  for  £l<>.0Mo. 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  L873,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  $429,299.38.  It  is  constructed  of  Kaosta  (Minn.) 
limestone,  and  has  a  contents  of  661,300  cubic  feet.  Steam  heat  (direct 
and  indirect  radiation)  is  supplied  from  two  boilers,  which  also  furnish 
power  for  a  freight  elevator  operating  between  the  basement  and  first 
floor. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  duly  28,  L866;  July  20,  L868;  March  B,  ls<>:'  (voL  L5,  p. 
305);  March  3,  L869  (vol.  15.  p.  314):  April  20,  1870;  duly  15.  lsTo; 
March  1,  1871;  May  18,  L872,  and  March  3.  1873. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  L886, and  March  3.  Iss7.  made 
appropriations  for  the  purchase  of  additional  land,  with  a  view  to  the 
extension  of  the  building.  The  purchase  was  not  effected,  and  by  an 
act  of  August  5.  1N'.»2.  after  the  new  building  described  on  page  321 
had  been  authorized,  Congress  directed  that  these  appropriations  be 
covered  into  thesurplus  fund  of  the  Treasury. 

An  act  of  February  It!,  1891,  authorized  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury to  sell  this  custom-house  whenever  in  his  judgment,  after  the 
completion  of  the  new  building,  the  public  interests  would  admit. 

During  the  calendar  years  1S73  and  1899  the  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  were  $lf;2.05:-5.44  and  &">9.459.8»>.  and  $2.5ti7.«Ks.:>3 
and  $491,121.2(5,  respectively.  In  ls7<»  the  population  of  the  city  was 
20,030.  and  in  L900  it  was  L63,065. 


320 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-House  and  Custom-House,  St.  Paul,  Minn. 


HT8T0BY   OF  PDBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


321 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE  ANT)  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  ST.  PAUL,  MINX. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  Hi,  185)1 ,  this  building  w  as  authorized,  the 
cost  limited  at  $800,000,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  given  authority  to  accept, 
as  a  donation  from  the  city  of  St.  Paul,  a  suitable  lot  of  lard  a-  a  site  for  the  same. 

The  site  was  accordingly  donated  bv  deed  recorded  June  12,  185)1,  and  is  bounded 
on  the  north  74.5)  feet  by  Sixth  street,"  south  1-61. 03  feet  by  Fifth  street,  west  .W0  feet 
by  Washington  street,  and  east  288.77  feet  by  Market  street. 

Plans  were  prepared  contemplating  the  erection  of  a  building  within  the  limit  of 
cost  lixed,  and  a  contract  for  the  excavation  and  the  masonry  of  the  subbasement 
was  awarded  February  2,  185)3.  On  April  4,  185)3,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the 
cut  stone  and  brickwork  of  the  basement  and  superstructure.  In  185)8  the  super- 
structure was  completed  and  under  roof,  ready  for  the  supply  of  the  interior  finish, 
when  further  work  in  this  direction  was  suspended  in  view  of  an  act  of  July  1.  185)8, 
extending  the  limit  of  cost  to  $1 ,0o0,000,  and  authorizing  the  completion  of  the  build- 
ing according  to  modified  plans.  These  plans  provide  for  an  extension  at  the  north 
end,  carrying  out  the  building  to  the  line  of  Sixth  street,  and  making  the  principal 
entrance  at  that  front.  The  excavations  for  this  extension  were  made  under  a  run- 
tract  awarded  September  15),  185)8,  and  the  foundations,  superstructure,  and  roof  cov- 
ering supplied  uinler  a  contract  awarded  October  5,  185)5).  The  design  shows  a  mag- 
nificent tower  over  the  Sixth  street  entrance,  but  this  is  not  at  present  to  be  ral  l  ied 
above  the  roof  line,  pending  anticipated  legislation  in  the  matter.  The  portion  of 
the  superstructure  completed  before  July,  185)8,  may  be  distinguished  from  the  inc  om- 
plete extension  in  the  accompanying  illustration,  which  shows  the  condition  of  the 
work  on  December  5,  151(10. 

The  interior  finish  of  this  completed  portion,  above  the  first  floor,  was  supplied 
under  a  contract  aw  arded  May 5,  185)5),  and  the  rooms  w  ere  occupied  between  August  27 
and  September  4,  15)00,  by  the  customs,  internal-revenue,  and  secret  services,  special 
agent  of  the  Treasury,  pension  examiner,  and  the  circuit  and  district  court  officers. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of  ( 'ongress  approved 
February  1(1,  185)1,  March  3,  185)1,  August  18,  1S5I4,  March  2,  l85).->,  June  11.  IS!))!, 
June  4,  "185)7,  July  1,  185)8,  and  March  3,  185)5);  and  by  December  1,  15)00,  there  had 
been  expended  on  account  of  construction,  S5)40,8t>5.2">. 

The  illustration  shows  the  Fifth  and  Market  street  facades.  The  building  covers 
most  of  the  lot,  being  271  feet  3  inches  long  anil  122  feet  2  inches  w  ide  at  the  Fifth 
street  end,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  2  734,305)  feet.  The  superstructure  i-  of 
granite,  from  quarries  of  Messrs.  Hennessy  &  Cox,  St.  Cloud,  Minn.,  the  contractors. 

While  the  interior  finish  is  not  yet  (December,  15)00)  completed  throughout,  in 
describing  that  portion  of  the  work  the  building  w  ill  be  taken  as  a  unit.  The  sub- 
basement  is  devoted  to  the  mechanical  plant,  while  the  basement  proper  is  given 
over  to  the  postal  service. 

The  first  story  is  assigned  entirely  to  the  post-office.  The  main  entrance  in  the 
tower  on  Sixth  street  opens  into  a  large  entrance  hall  under  the  tower,  w  hich  in 
turn  opens  into  the  post-office  corridor,  which  extends  through  the  building  to  the 
Fifth  street  entrance.  These  corridors  and  halls  are  wainscoted  with  marble,  and 
have  ornamented  ceilings,  enriched  with  gold  and  bronze,  the  floors  throughout 
being  of  marble  and  terrazzo. 

On  one  side  of  the  corridor  is  the  post -office  working  room,  while  on  the  other  are 
the  postmaster's  private  offices,  money-order  office,  etc.  With  the  exception  of  the 
corridors,  etc.,  the  entire  first  floor  is  finished  in  quartered  w  hite  oak  with  floors  in 
hard  wood. 

The  marble  wainscoting  and  floors  are  continued  throughout  the  upper  stories. 
The  second  story  is  devoted  to  the  uses  of  the  customs  and  internal-revenue  services, 
while  the  third  floor  is  assigned  to  the  circuit  and  district  courts,  the  circuit  court 
being  situated  in  the  tower  on  Sixth  street  and  extending  through  two  stories,  giving 
an  opportunity  for  a  gallery  for  spectators  at  the  fourth-floor  level.  These  rooms  an 
in  oak  enriched  by  carving. 

On  the  fourth  floor  is  the  circuit  court  of  appeals,  the  room  for  which  is  finished 
in  marble  and  has  a  barrel  vaulted  ceiling  w  ith  stained-glass  panels  admitting  light 
from  above.  On  this  floor  also  is  a  law  library  finished  in  mahogany,  with  adorned 
ceiling  which,  like  that  in  the  court  room,  is  partly  of  stained  glass. 

The  fifth  and  sixth  stories  an-  to  be  used  as  railway-mail  service  dormitories,  file 
rooms,  etc.  All  the  stories  are  provided  with  ample  vaults,  toilet  rooms,  etc.,  of  the 
most  modern  description,  w  hile  the  building  is  heated  by  low  pressure  and  exhaust 
steam,  and  is  ventilated  by  a  combined  plenum  and  exhaust  system.  It  is  equipped 
with  three  magnetic-control  passenger  elevators,  built  by  the  Otis  Elevator  Com- 
pany, and  has  a  boiler  plant  consisting  of  four  Babcock  in:  Wilcox  water-tube  boiler? 
of  600  horsepower, 

12242— 01  21 


322 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Winona,  Minn. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


323 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  WINONA.  MINN. 

This  building'  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  Main 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  14<>  feet  on  the  former,  east 
180  feet  on  the  latter  and  bounded  on  the  north  by  an  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  June  30,  1886,  for  £l a.oot i.  A 
contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  entered  into  March  is, 
1890,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  October  22,  L891, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  £144,5*0.72.  The  walls  of  the  super- 
structure are  of  native  limestone  with  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone 
trimmings. 

November  20,  1890,  the  Department  authorized  the  use  of  a  10-foot 
strip  on  the  north  side  of  the  lot  as  a  passageway  in  connection  with 
the  alley,  thus  making -the  alley  20  feet  wide. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of  (  <>n- 
gress  approved  March  3,  1885,  August  4.  1886,  March  2,  L889,  Augu-t 
30,  1890,  September  30,  1890,  and  March  3,  1891. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  528,584  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam  and  is  occupied  mostly  by  the  postal  service  and  United  States 
courts,  thirteen  rooms  being  assigned,  besides  the  entire  Hist  floor. 

In  18D1  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  *2.">.ooo.  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  they  aggregated  $33,506.50.  In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  18,208  and  in  1900  it  was  1'.*,714. 


324 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Aberdeen,  Miss. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


325 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  ABERDEEN.  MISS. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  l>v  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  3.  1885,  and  March  30,  1888.  The  site  was 
secured  by  purchase  August  5,  1885,  for  the  sum  of  $4,000.  and  is 
located  at  the  southwest  coiner  of  Commerce  and  Hickory  street-, 
fronting  north  13<>  feet  on  the  former  and  east  ion  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  October  14. 
18(St!,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  ;tter  part  of  lNf>s.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $74.<!<il. 34.  It  Is  constructed  of  redbrick 
with  stone  trimmings,  contains  a  space  of  230.000  cubic  feet,  and  is 
heated  by  steam  from  one  boiler  and  by  open  grates.  The  first  floor 
is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service  and  the  second  and  third  by 
the  United  States  courts. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  &5.139.20.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city* was  3,449 
and  in  1900  it  was  :J>,434. 


32tt  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


327 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  JACKSON.  MISS. 

This  court-house  and  post-office  was  authorized  and  appropriated 
for  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2,  1881,  which  was  supple- 
mented by  an  act  of  July  7,  1884,  and  is  located  on  the  southwest  cor- 
ner of  Capital  and  West  streets.  The  ground,  which  was  secured  by 
purchase  October  11,  1882,  for  $4,375,  is  bounded  on  the  east  lf'.O  feet 
by  West  street,  and  on  the  north  2<»0  feet  by  Capital  street.  Work 
on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  ls83,  and  the 
structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  early  part  of  l  ss.-,,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $1  lo,4!*2.os. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of 
312,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  hot-water  apparatus,  and  is  occupied 
principally  by  the  postal  service  and  United  States  courts,  the  number 
of  rooms  assigned  being  twelve. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  March  -1  and  :'».  189!*,  provided  for  an 
addition  to  the  building  at  a  cost  of  not  more  than  $31,000,  and  on 
December  28, 1899,  a  contract  Mas  awarded  for  the  work.  The  exten- 
sion, which  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  building,  is  three  stories  high, 
and  covers  an  area  of  40  by  53  feet.  It  is  not  shown  in  the  accom- 
panying illustration. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1885,  were 
$10,515.87,  and  for  the  year  ended  June  30,  18!»!».  gttl.134.3S.  In  l  sso 
the  population  of  the  city  was  5,204,  and  in  1900  it  was  7.Mii. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  the  court-house  and  post-office  at  Jack- 
son, Miss.,  the  United  States  courts  occupied  rooms  in  the  city  hall. 
This  occupation  was  in  pursuance  of  an  agreement  entered  into  in  1857 
under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3.  1S55,  the 
sum  of  $20,000  having  been  paid  to  the  city  of  Jackson  for  the  use  of 
the  rooms. 


3 '2 8  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


329 


POST-OFFICE.  MERIDIAN,  MISS. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Decem- 
ber 24,  1890.  and  the  limit  of  cost  fixed  at  $5o.ooo,  which  sum  was 
appropriated  by  an  act  of  March  3.  1891.  April  5.  1n'.»2,  the  site  oil 
the  corner  of  Twenty-second  avenue  and  Eighth  street  was  secured  by 
purchase  for  the  sum  of  sc. i  ion.  and  proposals  for  the  erection  of  the 
building  were  under  consideration  when  legislation  was  approved  in 
act  of  August  27, 1894,  requiring  that  accommodations  be  provided 
for  the  United  States  courts  and  their  offices,  thus  rendering  necessary 
a  modification  of  the  plans.  This  legislation  was  supplemented  by  an 
act  of  March  2,  1895.  authorizing  the  exchange  of  the  site  already 
purchased  and  extending  the  limit  of  cost  to  $80,000.  An  appropria- 
tion of  $30,000  was  made  by  an  act  of  dune  4.  L897. 

An  additional  strip  of  land  fronting  25  feet  on  Twenty-second  ave- 
nue was  donated  to  the  United  States  May  13.  18!*5.  which,  with  the 
ground  formerly  purchased,  gives  the  site  for  the  building  a  frontage 
of  135  feet  west  on  Twenty-second  avenue  and  \'1'>  feet  south  on  Kighth 
street. 

The  necessary  modifications  of  the  plans  were  made  to  comply  with 
legislative  requirements,  and  a  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing was  awarded  September  1.  L896,  all  work  being  completed  and  the 
structure  occupied  January  1.  1898.  The  cost  of  construction  was 
$73,848.78. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone 
to  the  first-story  window  sills,  and  Georgia  granite  for  the  entrance 
steps,  mailing  platform,  area  copings,  etc.  It.  contains  a  space  of 
294,050  cubic  feet,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-office.  United  State- 
courts,  and  Weather  Bureau.  Artificial  heat  is  supplied  by  a  hot-water 
apparatus. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $23,440.60.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
10,024,  and  in  1900  it  was  14,050. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


331 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  OXFORD.  MISS. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Pontotoc  street 
and  tli<?  public  square,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  180  feet  on 
the  former,  west  125  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  east  by  an 
alley. 

The  site  was  secured  March  24,  1884,  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of 
$6,000.  A  contract  for  the  basement  and  superstructure  was  awarded 
February  12,  1885,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
February,  1887,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $6o,Mo.'.»4.  It  is  built 
of  brick  and  contains  a  space  of  235.141  cubic  feet;  is  provided  with  a 
hot-water  heating  system  operated  by  one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  by 
the  postal  service  and  United  States  courts. 

The  Legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  duly  12,  1882;  March  ::.  1883;  August  2.  L886; 
August  4,  1886  (approaches),  and  October  2.  1NN8  (approaches). 

In  1887  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $2,800,  and  dur- 
ing the  year  ended  .June  30,  1805*,  they  aggregated  $3,235.61.  The 
population  of  the  city  in  1890  was  1,546,  and  in  1900  it  was  1,825. 


332 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


333 


COURT-HOT'SK.  POST-OFFICE  AND  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  7ICKSBURG,  MISS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Crawford  and 
Walnut  .streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  147  feet,  t!  inches  square,  bounded 
on  the  north  by  the  former  and  on  the  east  by  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  .secured  by  purchase  duly  LSS9,  for  the  sum  of 
$9,000,  and  a  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
March  .">,  L890.  The  structure  was  occupied  in  the  summer  of  1 S 1  *  1 
and  was  finally  completed  during  the  following  year,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  *100,232.<'>8. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  dune  6, 1888, October  2,  1888,  March  8,  L889,  March 3, 1891, 
and  July  28,  1892. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  42t!.o;Mi  feet.  It  is  supplied 
with  steam  heat.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  fifteen,  they 
being  assigned  principally  to  the  post-office,  I'nited  States  courts,  and 
Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  about  ^14,400  and  in  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  they 
aggregated  £2S.812.48.  In  lS!»o  the  population  of  the  city  was  13.873, 
and  in  L900  it  was  I  1,834. 


334 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


335 


POST-OFFICE.  HANNIBAL  MO. 

This  building  is  situated  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Broadway  and 
Sixth  street,  on  a  plot  of  "round  fronting  south  142  feet  on  the  former, 
east  131  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  west  by  an  alley. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  August  is.  lss:J,.  for  the  sum 
of  $12,500,  and  a  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
August  '20,  1884,  the  structure  being  completed  and  occupied  in  lssS. 
The  cost  of  construction  was  ^12-2.(jS(.t.2s. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  25,  1882,  August  7.  1882,  March  3,  1885,  June  30,  L888, 
March  3,  1887,  and  March  30,  1888.  The  building  is  constructed  of 
Dark  Hollow  (Bedford.  Ind.)  limestone,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of 
357,073  feet. 

It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal 
and  internal- revenue  services.  United  States  courts.  Weather  Bureau, 
and  pension  examiner.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  is  used  exclu- 
sively by  the  post-office,  the  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  twelve. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  18!>1».  the  gross  postal  receipts  were 
$20,329.87.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  12,857.  and  in 
1900  it  was  12,780. 


336 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


337 


COURT-HOl'SE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  JEFFERSON  CITY,  MO. 

This  building  fronts  south  on  High  street,  and  is  situated  between 
Jefferson  and  Washington  streets.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase, 
December  IS,  1883,  for  the  sum  of  sio.ooo,  and  has  a  frontage  of  IT'.t 
feet  on  High  street,  extending  back  200  feet  to  Stewart  street.  Build- 
ing operations  were  commenced  in  the  summer  of  lss.r>,  and  the  struc- 
ture was  completed  and  occupied  in  1*8!',  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $143,162.68. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  1883,  March  3,  1885,  August  4.  L886,  February  I, 
1888,  March  30,  L888,  and  March  2.  L889. 

The  building  is  of  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone,  and  has  a  cubic  con- 
tents of  875,400  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  open  grates, 
and  is  occupied  mainly  by  the  postal  service  and  the  I'nited  States 
courts.  During  the  months  of  March.  .Inly,  and  November,  L896,  and 
March,  1897,  the  courts  of  Cole  County.  Mo.,  held  session  in  this 
building,  the  authority  therefor  being  conveyed  by  a  public  resolution 
of  Congress  approved  March  L3,  1896. 

During  the  years  ended  December  31,  ISSlt.  and  December  .".1.  1S!»!», 
the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  £l2.sso.s<!  and  £21,2»i7.40,  respectively. 
In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  6,742,  and  in  1900  it  was  9,664. 
1.2242—01  22 


338 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


339 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  ETC..  KANSAS  CITY.  MO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Ninth  and  Walnut 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  "round  fronting  north  115  feet  6  inches  on  the 
former,  west  167  feet  6  inches  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  east 
by  an  alley.  The  site  was  purchased  July  5.  1879,  for  the  sum  of 
$8,500,  and  a  contract  for  excavation  was  awarded  September  »'..  Is"'.'. 
The  building  was  practically  completed  and  was  occupied  in  September. 
1885,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $3ti4. tin!*.  12.  The  legislation  on 
its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved  April  21*.  1878. 
March  3,  1879,  June  10,  1880,  March  8,  1881,  August  7.  18*2,  July  7. 
1884,  March  3,  1885  (approaches,  etc.).  and  August  4.  1886  (approaches, 
etc.). 

The  one-story  frame  annex  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  building, 
shown  in  the  illustration,  was  constructed  in  1890  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  post-Qffice. 

The  main  building  is  constructed  of  sandstone,  and  contains  a  cubic 
space  of  796,200  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  with  a  pas- 
senger elevator.  Prior  to  the  completion  of  the  new  building  (post- 
office  and  court-house)  at  Kansas  City,  it  was  occupied  principally  by 
the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  United  State- 
courts. 

In  1885  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  receipts  aggregated  $22o.2on 
and  $1,200,000,  respectively,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  3<>,  1M»1*. 
they  amounted  to  $637,864.77  and  11,988,481.50.  In  1880  the  popula- 
tion of  the  city  was  55,785,  and  in  1900  it  was  163,752 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BL'ILDIM--. 


341 


POST-OFFICE  AM)  COURT-HOUSE,  KANSAS  CITY.  MO. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  2,  1891,  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  fixed  the  limit  of  cost  at  $1,200,000.  which  limit  was  extended 
by  an  act  of  June  LI,  L896,  to  $1,316,000. 

The  .site  was  secured  December  21,  1891.  I>y  purchase,  for  the  sum 
of  $450.ooo.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  south  each  -2'fl  feet  by 
Eighth  and  Ninth  streets,  respectively,  on  the  west  2*1)  feet  H  inches 
by  Grand  street,  and  on  the  east  289  feet  by  McGee  street. 

A  contract  for  the  general  excavation  was  awarded  December  20, 
1892,  for  the  basement  and  area  walls  March  it.  IN!)!-},  and  for  the 
superstructure  February  lit.  1895.  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  dune  28.  19oo.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $S!»9. 42 1.(37. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  3,  1891,  August  IS,  18!»4.  March'  2.  18!'5.  dune  LI. 
1896,  dune  4,  1897,  and  February  9,  1900  (painting  and  elevator  in 
excess  of  Limit). 

The  building  occupies  the  western  part  of  the  block  and  has  its  main 
facade  on  Grand  street.  The  retaining  walls  and  the  basement  walls  to 
the  top  of  the  water  table  are  of  South  Park  (Colo.)  red  granite,  and 
Llano  County  (Tex.)  gray  granite  is  used  for  the  superstructure.  The 
building  covers  an  area  of  254  feet  lo  inches  by  115  feet  2^  inches, 

and  contains  a  cubic  -pace  of  L, 592, 219  feet. 

The  interior  finish  is  classic  in  design,  the  most  striking  feature 
being  a  spacious  rotunda  extending  from  the  first  floor  to  a  height  of 
116  feet  and  terminating  in  a  vaulted  ceiling  pierced  by  a  score  of 
glazed  openings. 

In  each  story  of  the  rotunda,  fluted  columns  on  pedestals,  and  sup- 
porting richly  ornamented  cornices,  are  used  with  good  effect.  Wide 
galleries  at  each  floor,  with  ornamental  bronze  railings  and  chip  mosaic 
floors,  communicate  on  three  sides  with  the  main  building  through 
semicircular  and  elliptical-arched  openings. 

In  the  basement  are  located  the  custodian's  office,  carriers*  room, 
mailing  division  for  second  and  third  class  matter,  receiving  room, 
locker  and  toilet  rooms,  as  well  as  the  engine  and  boiler  rooms. 
Plaster,  cement,  marble,  and  wood  wainscoting  and  chip  mosaic  are 
the  finishing  materials  used. 

On  the  first  floor  are  located  the  rooms  of  the  postmaster  and  a>-i-t- 
ant  postmaster,  the  money-order  and  registry  divisions,  the  post-office 
workroom,  and  public  lobbies.  Marble  and  hard-wood  wainscots,  chip 
mosaic,  and  ornamental  plaster  are  the  principal  finishing  materials 
used  on  this  floor.  The  second  floor  is  given  over  entirely  to  offices, 
and  the  finishing  materials  are  the  same  as  in  the  first  story. 

On  the  third  floor  are  located  the  United  States  court  and  judges' 
rooms,  the  law  library,  and  offices.  The  court  room  i>  elaborately 
finished  in  marble  and  paneled  hard-wood  wainscoting,  pilasters,  and 
pediments.  The  remaining  rooms  and  corridors  are  finished  as  in  the 
first  and  second  stories.  On  the  fourth  floor  are  the  railway  mail 
clerk's  dormitory,  jury  and  toilet  rooms,  the  finishing  materials  being 
the  same  as  in  the  stories  below. 

The  building  is  lighted  by  gas  and  electricity  and  is  provided  with  a 
high-pressure  water-tube  boiler  plant,  an  electric  generating  plant, 
exhaust  steam  heat,  and  mechanical  ventilation,  two  electric  passenger 
elevators,  one  electro-hydraulic  mail  lift,  and  one  hydraulic  ash  lift. 


342 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  St.  Joseph,  Mo. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


343 


POST-OFFICE.  ST.  JOSEPH.  MO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Eighth  and 
Edmond  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  on  the  former  L5S 
feet,  north  on  the  latter  140  feet,  and  bounded  on  the  east  by  a  2o-foot 
alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  February  10,  lss8.  for  *11..">iio, 
and  work  on  the  basement  and  area  walls  was  commenced  under  a  con- 
tract awarded  September  24,  1SS.">.  The  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  about  January,  L891,  the  costof  construction  being  (349,450. 
It  is  built  of  limestone,  from  a  quarry  of  Vbris,  Norton  &  Co.,  Bed- 
ford. Ind.,  contains  a  space  of  606,600  cubic  feet,  is  heated  by  steam, 
and  is  provided  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  The  post-oflice 
is  located  on  the  first  floor  and  the  United  States  courts  <>n  the  second. 
Other  portions  of  the  building  are  assigned  to  the  customs,  internal- 
revenue,  and  railway-mail  services,  and  pension  examiner. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts 
of  Congress  approved  August  5,  18S2,  .Inly  7.  I*s4,  .March  3,  L885, 
August  4,  1886,  March  3,  1887,  March  30,  L888,  August  30,  L890,  and 
March  3,  18'.»l.  the  last  two  for  tower  clock,  etc. 

In  1891  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $120,000,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  I8!»it,  to  $155,S2!u;*.  The  population  of  the 
city  in  1890  was  52,324,  and  in  1900  it  was  l02,y7'J. 


HISTORY  OF  PrKLIC  HCILDINGS. 


345 


APPRAISERS'  STOKES.  ST.  LOUIS.  .MO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  coi  ner  of  Third  and  Olive 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  west  105  feet  !•  inches  by 
the  former,  on  the  north  152  feet  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  east  105 
feet  !'  inches  by  a  15-foot  alley.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase 
October  31,  1851.  and  May  1.  1*52.  for  $37.00(1.  and  the  building 
was  completed  and  occupied  in  1S5!».  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$321,987. 08. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  same  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  September  Ho.  ls5o.  March  1S51.  duly  21.  1852, 
March  3,  1853.  August  4.  1854,  dune  12,  L858,  and  February  9,  1861 
(furnishing,  etc.). 

Under  appropriations  made  by  acts  of  March  'J».  L887,  October  "J. 
1888.  and  August  80,  1890,  the  building  was  overhauled  and  repaired 
and  an  additional  story  added  at  a  cost  of  £l7o.ooo.  With  this  addi- 
tional story,  which  is  of  north  St.  Louis  prairie  limestone,  the  building 
has  a  cubic  contents  of  4,500,000  feet.  A  portion  of  the  first  floor  is 
used  by  the  postal  service,  in  connection  with  the  main  city  post-office, 
and  the  other  rooms  are  occupied  principally  by  the  Tinted  States 
appraisers,  Tinted  States  Army.  Marine-Hospital  Service,  pension 
examiners,  Railway  Mail  Service,  and  assay  office.  The  quarters  for 
the  assay  office  were  lifted  up  under  an  appropriation  of  (10,000,  made 
for  the  purpose  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  L,  L881. 
The  building  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  elevator  service — one 
passenger  and  one  freight.  Originally  the  title  of  the  building  was 
"Custom-house."  but  in  18H7  it  was  changed  to  "Appraisers*  stores." 

When  it  was  first  constructed  the  population  of  the  city  was  about 
150,000.    In  1900  it  was  575.238. 


346 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


3-47 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  ST.  LOUIS.  MO. 

This  building  occupies  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  270  feet  by 
Locust  street,  on  the  south  270  feet  by  Olive  street,  on  the  east  228 
feet  1£  inches  by  Eighth  street,  and  on  the  west  228  feet  1£  inches  by 
Ninth  street.    The  main  front  is  on  Olive  street. 

The  site  was  secured  under  condemnation  proceedings  instituted 
June  4,  1872,  the  decree  of  the  circuit  court  being  rendered  Septem- 
ber 13,  1872.  An  appeal  was  taken  by  certain  of  the  defendants,  mid 
on  May  23,  187-1,  the  judgment  of  the  lower  court  was  affirmed  by  the 
supreme  court.  The  total  cost  of  the  site  was  S368.882.65.  A  con- 
tract was  awarded  September  2.  1873.  for  the  foundation  stone  sub- 
basement  piers  and  area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  in 
1884,  during  which  year  it  was  occupied.  It  rests  on  a  pile  founda- 
tion covered  with  a  thick  bed  of  concrete.  The  stone  used  in  the  base- 
ment walls  is  a  local  red  granite,  and  that  in  the  superstructure  a  grav 
granite  from  Hurricane  Island.  Maine.  This  latter  stone  was  cut 
under  a  15  per  cent  contract  similar  to  those  in  connection  with  the 
court-houses  and  post-officea  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
July  15,  1870,  March  27,  1872.  March  3,  1873,  June  23,  1874,  January 
28,  1875,  March  3,  1875,  July  31, 1876,  March  3,  1877,  April  30,  ls78~, 
June  20,  1878,  March  3.  187!>,  June  It!.  Ism*.  March  3,  1881.  August 
7,  1882,  March  3,  1883,  May  1,  1884.  and  August  4.  I8*i;  (paving). 

The  building  has  a  contents  of  5,885,000  cubic  feet  and  cost 
$5,680,854.68,  exclusive  of  site.  In  the  subbasement  is  located  the  hot- 
water  heating,  lighting,  and  power  plants,  and  machinery  of  the  two 
passenger,  one  freight,  and  two  mail  hydraulic  elevators.  The  main 
basement  and  first  lloor  are  occupied  by  the  post-office  and  the  third 
floor  by  the  United  States  courts  and  court  offices.  The  other  occu- 
pants of  the  building  are  principally  officials  of  the  customs  and 
internal  revenue  services,  assistant  treasurer,  post-office  inspectors, 
railway-mail  clerks,  light-house  inspectors,  steamboat  inspectors,  and 
United  States  engineers. 

Under  a  contract  entered  into  on  September  23.  1873,  with  the 
St.  Louis  Tunnel  Railroad  Company,  in  the  sum  of  $15o.ooo.  a  tunnel 
was  constructed  along  the  Eighth  street  side  of  the  building  to  facil- 
itate the  transmission  of  mail.  The  tunnel  is  the  full  width  of  the 
street  at  this  point,  with  a  large  platform  at  the  level  of  the  basement 
floor.  The  purpose  tor  which  it  was  projected  has  proved  to  be 
impracticable  and  its  use  for  such  has  been  abandoned. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  1884.  and  1S8!>.  the  internal-revenue 
receipts  have  increased  from $4,995,427.53  t<>  $14,380,593.84,  and  din  - 
ing the  same  period  the  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  $829,331.32 
to  $1,826,742.99.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  350.f>l8.  and 
in  1900  it  was  575,238. 


348 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


349 


POST-OFFICE.  SEDALIA,  MO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Lamine 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  "round  fronting  north  110  feet  5  inches  on  the 
former,  west  120  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the  south  by  a  12- 
foot  alley. 

It  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved 
February  13,  1881)  and  March  2.  1H.SK,  respectively.  The  land  was 
donated  to  the  United  States  March  1 1.  181*0,  and  a  contract  for  the 
erection  of  the  building  was  entered  into  November  8.  1H!»0.  The 
structure  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  1H<»2,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  $49,581.33.  It  is  built  of  brick  trimmed  with  stone, 
contains  a  space  of  190,701  cubic  feet  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal 
and  internal-revenue  services  and  special  pension  examiner.  Steam 
heat  is  supplied  from  one  boiler. 

During  the  first  year  of  the  occupation  of  the  building  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  $24,080  and  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1890, 
they  were  $20,048,22.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  14,068 
and  in  1900  it  was  15,231. 


350 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  iSpringfield,  Mo. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


351 


COURT-HOUSE  ANT)  POST-OFFICE.  SPRINGFIELD.  Ml). 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Bower  and  Boc-n- 
yiHe  Streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  121  feet  on  the  former, 
and  extending  back  200  feet  between  Boonville  street  on  the  west,  and 
an  alley  on  the  east.    The  north  line  of  the  lot  is  13<»  feet. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  Match  28.  181*0.  for  the  sum  of 
$20,000.  A  contract  was  awarded  May  23.  L891,  for  the  excavation, 
basement  and  area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  June,  1894,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $133.9t>0. 57. 

It  is  constructed  of  limestone  quarried  at  Stinesville.  Ind..  with 
entrance  steps  and  platforms,  sills,  etc..  of  granite:  contains  a  space 
of  403,544  cubic  feet,  and  is  equipped  with  a  steam-heating  apparatus 
operated  by  two  boilers;  also  an  electric  passenger  elevator.  There 
ai*e  twenty  rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  to  the  postal  and 
internal-revenue  services.  United  States  courts,  land  office,  and 
Weather  Bureau. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 
29,  1888,  and  the  limit  of  cost  was  increased  by  act  of  duly  2.  1890. 
The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  October  2.  Is.s.s. 
March  3,  1891,  and  March  2,  1895  (elevator). 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  $3»5.oo<)  in  1894  to 
$44,957.51  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899.  In  L890  the  popula- 
tion of  the  city  was  21,850,  and  in  1900  it  was  23. --Mil. 


352 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


353 


ASSAY  OFFICE,  HELENA.  MONT. 

November  6,  LS7-t,  a  lot  on  the  aortheast  corner  of  Broadway  and 
Warren  streets,  fronting  south  L50  feet  on  the  former  and  west  LOO 
feet  on  the  latter,  was  purchased  for  $1, ;")()().  Soon  afterwards  the 
present  building  was  commenced,  and  it  was  completed  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1876,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *."iS..">ot;.  is. 

The  building,  which  is  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  is  located  at 
about  the  center  of  the  lot,  and  fronts  south  on  Broad  wa]  .  There  has 
since  been  a  one-story  addition  constructed  at  the  rear,  extending  ea-t 
dose  to  the  lot  line. 

The  appropriations  for  the  building  and  machinery  were  approved 
May  12,  1874,  July  31,  1876,  August  L.">.  L876,  and  dune  20,  1878. 

The  amount  of  business  transacted  annually  in  the  assay  office  since  it 
was  first  erected  has  increased  from  about  $100,000  to  $2,500,000  in 
1899.    During  the  interval  the  population  of  the  city  lia^  increased 
from  about  2,500  to  10,770  in  1900. 
12242—01  23 


354 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Beatrice,  Nebr. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


355 


POST-OFFICE,  BEATRICE,  NEBR. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congres>  approved  Decem- 
ber 27,  1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  :;.  18'.»1.  and 
August  5,  1892.  It  is  located  on  the  northeast  coi  ner  of  Klla  and  Sixth 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  secured  October  l!>.  ISH1.  by  purchase, 
for  the  sum  of  $15,000,  and  bounded  on  the  south  L20  feet  by  Ella 
street,  west  140  feet  3  inches  by  Sixtli  street,  and  on  the  north  120 
feet  by  an  alley. 

A  contract  was  awarded  April  18!*2.  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing-, and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  October, 
1893,  the  cost  of  construction  being  itM-'.t.TlD.H-k  The  material  used 
in  the  superstructure  is  a  gray  sandstone,  from  Warrensburg,  Mo. 
The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  l*>u.lf>7  feet.  It  is  provided 
with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  serv  ice. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  aggregated  $17,684.22  during 
the  year  ended  dune  :>o.  lstt'.t.  In  lsito  the  population  of  the  city 
was  13,836,  and  in  1900  it  was  7.N75. 


356 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


357 


POST-OFFICE,  FREMONT,  NEBR, 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congre»  approved  May 
5,  1890,  and  was  appropriated  for  also  by  acts  of  August  30,  1890,  and 
March  3,  1891. 

On  December  V2,  L891,  the  Government  secured  by  purchase,  for 
<j>f>,<)00.  a  lot  of  ground  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Broad  and  Sixth 
streets,  fronting  east  feet  on  the  former  and  south  182  feet  on  the 
latter.  September  7.  1N92.  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  building,  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  in  February, 
L895,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $53,936.19. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Colorado  sandstone,  and  contains  a 
cubic  space  of  lNl.tlno  feet.  It  i>  provided  with  steam  heat  and  is 
occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  year  ended  June  :)o. 
1899,  were  $17.7-H.37.  which  are  slightly  in  excess  of  those  during  the 
first  year  of  the  occupancy  of  the  building.  The  population  of  the 
city  in  1890  was  »>,747,  and  in  1900  it  was  7,241. 


358 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


359 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  LINCOLN.  NEBR. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  south  side  of  what  was  formerly 
called  Market  square,  which  is  300  by  300  feet  and  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  P  street,  south  by  ()  street,  east  by  Tenth  street.  ;ind  west 
by  Ninth  street.  It  was  donated  to  the  United  States  by  the  city  of 
Lincoln  April  '2.  L873. 

The  building  was  commenced  in  1*74.  but  owing  to  difficulties 
encountered  in  securing  suitable  materials  it  was  not  completed  until 
187'.).  r,,he  cost  of  construction  was  $198,243.98.  It  is  of  a  sileceous 
limestone,  (jiiarried  at  Laplatte,  Sharpy  County.  Nebr. ,  and  contains 
a  space  of  445,300  cubic  feet,  is  heated  by  -team  from  one  boiler,  and 
is  provided  with  electric  passenger  elevator  service.  Their  are  twenty- 
four  rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.  United  State-  courts,  land 
office,  and  pension  agency. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  21.  1873,  July  31,  1876,  June  20.  l  s"s  (approaches), 
March  3,  1879  (approaches),  dune  LH,  isso  (approaches).  August  4. 
1886  (fountain),  March  2.  L887 (paving),  and  March  3,  L891  (improving 
grounds). 

At  the  rear  of  the  building  is  a  fountain,  constructed  over  an  artesian 
well  3,000  feet  deep.  This  well  was  sunk  by  the  city  with  a  view  to 
establishing  a  salt  industry,  there  being  extensive  deposits  of  -alt  in 
the  vicinity.  A  condition  of  the  deed  transferring  the  property  to  the 
Government  is  that  the  water  flowing  from  this  well  •■shall  not  be 
obstructed."  but  if  necessary  may  be  carried  off  in  suitable  pipes. 
The  fountain  is  visited  by  a  great  many  people  who  drink  the  water, 
which,  besides  containing  salt,  is  highly  impregnated  with  Other  min- 
eral- and  i-  powerfully  magnetic. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $2f>, ">03,  and  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  18!W,  they 
were $110,677.97.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  13,003  and 
in  L900  it  was  40,169. 


360 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  of  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


361 


COURT  HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  NEBRASKA  CITY.  NEBR. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  First  Corsoand 
Eighth  street,  on  n  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  144  feet  on  the 
former,  east  120  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  south  by  a 
public  alley.  Il  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  L885,  August  4.  L886,  and  March  3, 1SS7. 
Title  to  the  land  was  secured  August  22.  1SS5.  by  purchase,  for  the 
sum  of  $5,000. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  dune  24, 
lSSt;.  and  was  completed  and  occupied  January  L,  the  cost  of 

construction  being  &l<to.»>52.x7.  It  is  constructed  of  brick  with  stone 
trimmings,  and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  506,300  feet.  The  first  floor 
is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-office.  The  building  is  heated  by 
steam  supplied  by  one  boiler,  and  open  fireplaces. 

In  1SK!)  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  &KUM10.  and 
during  the  year  ended  June  3o.  lNH'.t.  they  aggregated  £l l..">74.42. 
The  population  of  the  city  in  1S!»()  was  ll.H41.and  in  1HO0  it  w:is  T.:',so. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


363 


COURT-HOUSE,  CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  OMAHA,  NEBR, 

This  building  fronts  weston  Sixteenth  street,  and  extends  from  Cap- 
ital avenue  on  the  north  to  Dodge  street  on  the  south.  It  was  author- 
ized by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  January  21.  ISSO.  The  site  was 
secured  by  condemnation,  the  total  amount  of  the  awards  being 
$399,281,  payment  of  which  was  made  May  14.  lsoo.  The  land  extends 
240  feet  from  Capital  avenue  to  Dodge  street,  and  ^t'»4  feet  from  Six- 
teenth to  Seventeenth  streets. 

The  excavations,  etc..  were  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
November  14.  1891,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied 
throughout  March  1,  1899.  The  first  floor,  however,  was  occupied  by 
the  post-office  in  L898. 

The  structure  is  of  No.  1  South  Park  (Colo. )  granite,  and  has  a  cubic 
contents  of  1,!K>8,325  feet.  Generally  the  interior  finish  is  in  oak. 
with  marble  mosaic  corridor  floors  throughout.  The  main  entrance, 
under  the  tower  and  the  post-office  corridor,  are  wainscoted  in  marble, 
also  the  stair  halls  generally,  while  the  stair  finish  is  of  wrought  and 
cast  iron,  with  marble  treads.  The  circuit  and  district  court  rooms, 
which  are  on  the  north  and  south  sides  of  the  third  story,  are  finished 
in  marble  and  plaster,  with  oak-beamed  ceilings.  There  are  about 
fifty  office  rooms  in  the  building,  which  are  occupied  principally  by 
the  postal,  customs  and  internal-revenue  services,  I  nitecf States  courts, 
and  Weather  Bureau.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  from  a  plant  operated 
by  four  boilers,  which  also  supply  power  for  the  pumps  connected 
with  the  two  hydraulic  passenger  elevators  and  the  two  hydraulic  lilts. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  January  21.  lsso,  August  .r».  1S02,  March  .'i.  1893, 
August  18,  18!>4,  March  2,  1895,  June  11,  1896,  and  June  4.  L897,and 
the  cost  of  construction  was  $833,982.94. 

An  actof  March  2.  Is'.t'.t,  increased  the  limit  of  the  cost  of  the  build- 
ing and  site  to  #1,800,000,  and  an  actof  March  3,  ISIW,  made  an  appro- 
priation therefor.  Accordingly,  drawings  and  specifications  were  pre- 
pared for  extending  the  building  80  feet  to  the  rear,  the  addition  to 
be  the  same  height  and  width  as  the  structure  now  completed,  and  a 
cont  ract  was  entered  into  June  7.  1  Itoo.  for  the  erection  of  tin-  same. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  180!*,  the  gross  postal  and  internal- 
revenue  receipts  amounted  to  £3(i7.22b\sl  and  £3.428.070.38  respec- 
tively. During  the  last  four  decades  the  population  of  the  city  has 
been  as  follows:  lsTn.  16,083;  L880,  30,51*:  1890,  14o.4.">2;  1900, 
102,555. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  Government  occupied 
as  a  court-house  and  post-office  a  building  located  on  the  southwest 
corner  of  Fifteenth  and  Dodge  streets,  the  site  for  which  was  donated 
to  the  United  States  June  20,  1S70.  The  building  was  commenced  in 
1870  and  completed  in  1875  at  a  cost  of  $330.o71.7s.  The  appropria- 
tions on  account  of  the  same  were  made  by  acts  of  March  3.  1  stilt.  July 
15,  1870,  March  3,  1871.  June  10,  L872,  March  3,  1873,  June  23,  1*74. 
and  March  3,  1875.  The  act  of  January  21,  1889,  authorizing  the  new 
building,  provided  also  that  this  old  building  should  be  transferred  to 
the  War  Department  for  use  of  officers  of  the  Department  of  the 
Platte.  This  transfer  was  ordered  by  the  Treasury  Department.  Feb- 
ruary 17,  1899. 


364 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


3r,r, 


POST-OFFICE,  SOUTH  OMAHA.  NEBR. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  M  and  Twenty- 
fourth  streets,  on  a  plot  of  "•round  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  former 
150  feet,  on  the  east  by  the  latter  130  feet,  and  on  the  west  by  a  20-foot 
alley  L30  feet. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  20,  1895. 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  2.  IX!»5,  and  June  4.  l^itT. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  March  15,  1N!»7,  for  the  sum  of 
§15,0(M».  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
February  21,  LSJtS,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
July  2'.»,  IS!*'.*,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *N4.75<>.37. 

It  is  constructed  of  but!'  brick,  trimmed  with  terra  cotta,  with  base- 
ment walls  of  Bedford  (Iud.)  limestone,  and  entrance  steps  and  plat- 
forms of  granite,  has  a  cubic  contents  of  336,337  feet,  and  is  heated 
by  a  low-pressure  return-circulation  steam  apparatus  operated  by  one 
boiler.  The  flooring  and  wainscoting  of  the  Lobby  and  first  and  second 
story  corridors  is  of  marble,  and  the  finish  of  the  office  rooms  generally 
is  in  oak.  The  entire  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service  and 
most  of  the  second  by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  lS'.tli,  the  postal  receipts  aggregated 
$57,767.21.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  S.o»J2.  and  in  I'.too 
it  was  26,001. 


366 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


367 


BRANCH  MINT.  ('ARSON  CITY.  NEV. 

This  building  faces  cast  on  CaTSOIl  street,  and  is  located  on  a  plot  of 
ground  170 feet  square,  bounded  also  on  the  south  by  Robinson,  west  by 
Curry,  and  north  by  Caroline  street-.  The  land  was  secured  by  dona- 
tion July  13,  1865,  the  authority  for  the  acceptance  of  the  property 
being  contained  in  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  23,  L865. 
The  building  was  completed  and  opened  for  business  on  January  8, 
1870,  the  cost  of  construction,  including  machinery,  being  £426.  7*7.66. 
Tn  1874  a  two-story  extension  was  constructed  at  the  rear,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $6,000. 

The  building  is  of  sandstone,  from  the  Nevada  State  prison  <|iiarry, 
and  covers  an  area  of  '.to  by  L70  feet.  It  was  used  as  a  mint  until  May. 
18!»3,  since  which  time  it  has  been  operated  practically  as  an  assay 
otlice. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  approved  March 
3,  1863;  July  20,  186S;  March  3,  1869;  duly  L5,  L870;  March  3,  1871; 
June  19,  1878  (boilers). 

The  population  of  the  city  in  1880  was  4,229,  and  in  1900  it  was 
2,100. 


sm 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  1'UBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


369 


COURT-HOCSE,  lUST-OFFICE.  ETC..  CAKSOX  CITY.  NEW 

This  building  is  located  on  u  Mock  17<>  feet  square,  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Spear  street,  south  byTelegraph  street,  east  by  Plaza  street, 
and  west  by  Carson  street.  The  main  entrance  is  on  the  Carson  street 
side.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  March  1.  ISN6,  for  the  sum 
of  $11,000.  A  contract  was  awarded  May  2.">.  lsss,  for  the  erection 
of  the  building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  May  lit. 
1891,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $134,605.53. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are 421,528  feet.  It  Lb  heated  bv 
steam  and  open  fireplaces,  and  is  occupied  by  the  post-office,  land  ollice. 
United  States  courts,  and  Weather  Bureau:  the  number  of  rooms 
assigned  being  sixteen. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained   in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  January  13,1885;  March  30,  L888,  and  March  3,  L891.  Din- 
ing the  years  ended  March  31,  181H,  and  March  81,  L900,  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  $6,666.16  and  s?7,<)57..s'.»,  respectively.    In  LS90 
the  population  of  the  city  was  :>.!»•">«>.  and  in  1 '.»<)<  I  it  was  2,100. 
12242—01  24 


370 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


871 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE.  ETC..  CONCORD,  N.  H. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  is  located  at 
about  the  center  of  a  block  bounded  on  the  north  2<i7  feet  1<»  inches 
by  Park  street,  on  the  south  304  feet  1<>  inches  by  Capitol  street,  on 
the  east  222  feet  11  inches  by  State  street,  and  on  the  west  22]  feet  6 
inches  by  Green  street,  the  principal  approach  being1  from  State  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  September  1".  L883,  for  the 
sum  of  $52,275.  A  contract  for  the  masonry  was  awarded  September 
5,  18*5.  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  January  20, 
IMS*.),  the  cost  of  construction  being  ^174-.4ti.">.7'.t. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  10,  1882,  March  8,  1885,  March  3,  1887,  March  30, 
ISSN,  and  October  lit.  1888. 

The  building  is  of  a  local  granite  and  contains  a  cubic  spac  e  of 
57s. 018  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal 
service,  United  States  courts,  and  pension  agency. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  181*9.  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $47,959.21.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was 
13,843;  in  1890,  17,004;  and  in  1900,  19.032. 


Post-Office,  Court-House,  etc.,  Manchester,  N.  H. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


373 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE.  ETC..  MANCHESTER,  N,  H. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  8.  Ins.").  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  appropriated  &I00.000  on  its  account.  May  s.  1,nm>.  the 
United  States  secured  title  to  the  site  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of 
$38,602.40.  The  land  is  bounded  on  the  south  220  feet  by  Hanover 
street,  on  the  west  14fi  feet  by  Chestnut  street,  and  on  the  north  22o 
feet  by  Derrytield  lane,  a  passageway  2<>  feet  wide.  A  contract  for 
the  excavation  was  awarded  June  !'.  Is*!,  and  the  building  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  February,  1891,  the  cost  of  the  same.,  exclusive 
of  site,  being  $212,934.99. 

The  building,  which  is  of  granite,  has  a  cubic  contents  <>t  182,000 
feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service,  and  rooms  on 
the  other  floors  are  assigned  to  pension  examiners  and  the  district 
attorney.  The  building  is  heated  by  a  system  of  indirect  radiation. 
Supplied  by  one  boiler. 

In  addition  to  the  act  above  referred  to  appropriations  on  account 
of  the  building  were  made  by  nets  of  March  3.  L887,  March  30,  lsvs 
and  April  4.  L890. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  gross  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  about  $45,000  per  annum,  and  during  the  fiscal  year 
lS«J8-!»!»  they  were  $<»5. 872.41.  In  lS'to  the  population  of  the  city 
was  44,126,  and  in  1900  it  was  56,987. 


374 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


375 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  PORTSMOUTH,  N.  II. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Porter  street  82  feet  4  inches,  on  the  south  by  State  street  7''  feet 
8  inches,  on  the  east  by  Pleasant  street  147  feet  inches,  and  on  the 
wot  by  Church  street  14tf  feet.  The  main  front  is  on  Pleasant  street 
The  land  was  secured  July  7,  1S">7.  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of  $19,51 11 K 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  September,  L860,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $l45,110.ol.  It  is  constructed  of  Concord 
(N.  H.),  granite,  contains  a  space  of  312,500  cubic  feet,  and  i-  occupied 
by  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services  and  the  United 
States  courts,  the  first  floor  being  assigned  to  the  post-office  and  the 
third  floor  to  the  courts.    Steam  heat  is  furnished  by  two  boilers. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of  ( 'on- 
gress  approved  August  18,  1856,  and  dune  12,  1858. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  lsit'.i,  the  internal-revenue  receipts 
amounted  to $1,341,036.09,  this  district  comprising  the  States  of  .Maine. 
New  Hampshire,  and  Vermont.  In  1860  the  postal  receipts  were  about 
$10,000,  and  during  the  fiscal  year  bS!»S-!*!t  they  were  S-J7..r>4i\  In.  The 
census  of  1870  gives  the  population  of  the  city  as  It, 211,  and  that  of 
1900  as  10,637. 

Under  the  provisions  of  a  general  act  of  Congress  approved  April 
3<*,  1816,  providing  for  custom-houses,  warehouses,  etc..  the  Govern- 
ment OD  August  21,  1  s  1 7 .  purchased  for  the  sum  of  £s.o<in  a  three- 
story  brick  structure  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Daniel  and  Penhallow 
streets,  and  occupied  the  same  as  a  custom-house  until  the  present 
custom-house  was  erected.  It  was  sold  at  public  auction  May  1  1.  1867, 
for  the  sum  of  ^2,7"0,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  March  I'd  of  that 
year. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


377 


POST-OFFICE.  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  ETC..  CAMDEN.  N.  J 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  26, 1887,  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  limited  the  cost  at  &1OO.O00.  An  act  of  March  3.  1**7.  appro- 
priated $40,000  for  purchase  of  the  site,  and  this  was  followed  by  an 
act  of  October  2,  188S,  appropriating  &60.000  on  account  of  construc- 
tion. Early  in  1889  land  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Third  and  Arch 
streets  was  secured,  by  purchase  and  condemnation,  at  a  cost  of  *^7.<>.">o. 
Plans  were  then  prepared  but  active  building  operations  were  not 
commenced.  Additional  legislation  is  embodied  in  acts  of  June  11, 
1896,  and  June  4,  1897,  extending  the  limit  of  cost  of  the  building  and 
authorizing  the  purchase  of  additional  land.  December  10.  ls'.tT.  a 
piece  of  ground  was  purchased  for  $5,000,  adjoining  the  Government 
lot  on  the  north,  making  the  total  cost  of  the  site  $32.<!50.  and  giving 
it  a  frontage  of  150  feet  5  inches  west  on  Third  street  and  124  feel 
south  on  Arch  street. 

Designs  were  submitted  in  competition  March  1.  In'.ix.  under  the 
provisions  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  20.  LS!»3.  and 
award  was  made  to  Messrs.  Rankin  &  Kellogg,  of  Philadelphia.  Pa., 
with  whom  a  contract  was  entered  into  March  26,  1898,  for  the  pre- 
paration of  working  drawings,  etc..  and  for  the  local  supervision  of 
the  erection  of  the  building.  A  contract  for  the  construction  of  the 
building  was  awarded  November  l'i.  L898,  and  the  structure  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  November  30,  L899,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$189,193.47. 

The  building  is  of  the  Italian  Renaissance  style  of  architecture,  rec- 
tangular in  form,  and  measuring  103  feet  on  Third  street  by  82  feet  on 
Arch  street.  The  exterior  is  simple,  with  the  main  entrance  on  Third 
street,  marked  by  a  pediment  carried  up  to  the  height  of  the  build- 
ing, and  a  subordinate  entrance  on  Arch  street,  the  first  story  being 
marked  by  large  pedimented  windows  and  the  second  story  by  smaller 
windows  with  plain  architrave,  and  the  structure  crowned  l>v  a  rich 
marble  cornice  in  keeping  with  the  style  of  the  design.  The  building 
rests  on  a  granite  base  3  feet  high,  the  walls  above  this  being  of 
white  marble,  from  quarries  of  the  Vermont  Marble  Company,  near 
Proctor.  Yt. 

The  interior  finish  generally  is  in  mahogany,  with  the  tirst-story  lobby 
floored  and  wainscoted  in  marble.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely 
by  the  postal  service,  and  the  second  by  the  customs,  internal-revenue 
and  civil  services,  and  pension  examiner.  The  building  has  a  contents 
of  2*»0,3KN  cubic  feet,  is  lighted  by  gas  and  elect  l  icit  \" .  and  is  heated  by 
steam,  the  heating  system  being  a  combination  of  direct  and  indirect 
radiation,  with  ventilation  induced  by  aspirating  coils. 

The  population  of  Camden  in  1890  was  58,313,  and  in  1900  it  was 
75,i>35. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


379 


POST-OFFICE,  HOBOKEN,  N.  J, 

March  18,  1889,  a  plot  of  ground  Ion  feet  square,  hounded  hy  River 
street  on  the  west  and  Newark  street  on  the  south,  was  secured  by 
purchase  for  the  sum  of  $30,000,  and  on  October  19,  L891,  a  contract 
was  awarded  for  the  construction  of  the  present  building  thereon. 
The  work  was  completed  and  the  structure  occupied  in  March,  1  S!*:-{. 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $14,400.72. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  18,  1888,  October  2,  1888,  September  i'1-1.  1890,  and 
August  23,  lS!)-i  (outstanding  liabilities). 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  is  60 
feet  square,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  164,377  feet.  It  is  provided 
with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service. 

The  postal  receipts  in  1893  amounted  to  *3N,!»f>2.16,  and  during  the 
year  ended  dune  30,  1S99,  they  amounted  to  $49,629.51.  In  1890  the 
population  of  the  city  was  43,648,  and  in  1900  it  was  59,364. 


380 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


381 


POST-OFFICE.  JERSEY  CITY,  N.  J. 

In  pursuance  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1*73.  and  March 
3,  1875,  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  150  feet  on  Sussex  street  and 
east  100  feet  on  Washington  street,  with  a  brick  building  thereon, 
which  had  been  used  as  a  residence,  was  purchased  October  21,  L875, 
for  the  sum  of  $70,000. 

In  1*77,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  July  31,  1S70,  the  building 
was  remodeled,  and  was  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year.  An 
act  of  August  7.  1882,  appropriated  $4,000  for  improvement  of  grounds, 
which  work  was  performed  in  1884.  In  1889  a  one-story  addition  was 
Imilt  on  the  north  side  along  the  line  of  Washington  street  and  some 
minor  changes  made  at  a  cost  of  about  $12,000,  which  sum  was  appro- 
priated by  an  act  of  March  30,  1888. 

The  building  is  of  brick  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  120,000  feet. 
It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal 
and  internal  revenue  services,  the  number  of  rooms  assigned  being  ten. 

In  Iss'.t  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $120,000,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30.  1899,  they  aggregated  $225,391.04.  In  lsso 
the  population  of  the  city  was  120,722,  and  in  1900  it  was  200.433. 


382 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Newark,  N.  J. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


383 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  NEWARK,  N.J. 

Under  authority  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  ls")4.  and 
June  12.  L858,  a  plot  of  ground  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Broad  and 
Academy  streets  was  purchased  dune  14.  1855,  for  $50,000,  and  a 
custom-house  and  post-office  erected  thereon. 

An  act  of  March  1.  1888.  authorized  the  purchase  of  additional  land 
and  the  erection  of  an  addition  to  the  building.  Under  this  authority 
the  First  Baptist  Church  property,  fronting  on  Academy  street,  was 
purchased  October  12.  1888,  for  SWUM  in.  An  act  of  May  2.  ls'.io, 
modified  previous  legislation  by  authorizing  the  removal  of  the  old 
custom-house  and  post-office  and  the  construction  of  a  new  building. 
Accordingly  the  church  building  was  fitted  up  to  accommodate  the 
Government  offices,  and  the  custom-house  was  torn  down.  April  2o. 
1891,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  foundations  and  basement  and 
area  walls  of  the  new  building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  at  a 
cost  of  #4o3. 427. 07.  exclusive  of  land,  the  upper  floors  being  occupied 
in  dune,  1896,  and  the  first  floor  by  the  post-office  in  dune.  IM'7. 

The  building  is  of  Belleville  (N.  J.)  gray  sandstone,  and  is  in  plan 
93  by  1<>4  feet.  It  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal-revenue  services,  and  I'nited  State.-  courts,  the  first  floor 
being  assigned  to  the  post-office  and  the  third  floor  to  the  court-. 
In  the  basement  there  are  three  boilers  which  supply  steam  heat  for 
the  building  and  pressure  for  the  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  The 
old  church  building,  shown  in  the  illustration,  is  constructed  of  a  red 
sandstone,  and  is  used  in  connection  with  the  post-office. 

January  15.  18!»8.  a  plot  of  ground,  extending  from  the  north  side  of 
the  custom-house  54  feet  along  Broad  street  to  the  .Morris  Canal,  was 
secured  by  purchase  for  $250,000.  This  last  purchase  gives  the  Gov- 
ernment lot  a  frontage  of  168  feet  on  Broad  street,  and  it  extends  back 
218  feet  along  Academy  street. 

Additional  appropriations  on  account  of  the  completion  of  the 
building  and  the  purchase  of  the  land  on  the  north  side  were  made  by 
acts  of  March  3,  1891,  March  2.  L895,  dune  1  1.  1896,  and  dune  4.  1897, 

During  the  years  ended  dune  30,  L896,  and  dune  30,  L899,  the  gross 
internal  revenue  receipts  were  £3.88i.805.7!»  and  £4.657,854.51,  respec- 
tively. The  postal  receipts  increased  from  &3ii! t.75 1.80  during  the 
fiscal  year  L8i>7-!»8  to  :jW 74. 1588.83  during  the  year  18HS— ;>;♦.  In  ls70 
the  population  of  Newark  was  105,059,  and  in  1900  in  was  246,070. 


384 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Patekson,  N.  J. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDING-S. 


385 


POST-OFFICE,  PATERSOX.  X.  J. 

This  building  occupies  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  25!».73  feet 
by  Ward  street,  east  76.84  feet  by  Clark  street,  south  2.">0  feet  by  Lee 
place,  and  on  the  west  146.77  feet  by  Hamilton  street,  the  main  front 
being  on  the  last-named  street.  It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  June  7.  IKsx.  which  limited  the  entile  cost  to  $80,000. 
This  limit  was  extended  by  an  act  of  February  20,  lK'.t"),  to  $20<).owo. 

The  site  was  purchased  January  27.  ls'.»:5.  for  $22,000,  and  on  Octo- 
ber 5,  1897,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  construction  of  the  build- 
ing, the  same  being  occupied  by  the  post-office  October  t,  1 899,  the 
other  offices  moving  in  November  L,  1  s«i>*.  The  cost  of  construction 
was  1177,739.68. 

The  superstructure  is  of  red  brick,  trimmed  with  Bedford  (Ind.) 
limestone,  all  stone  work  below  the  first  floor  line,  including  entrance 
steps  and  cheek  blocks,  being  pink  granite  from  quarries  at  Pochuck, 
Orange  County,  N.  Y.  The  building  is  heated  by  steam  supplied  by 
two  boilers  and  is  provided  with  an  electric  freight  elevator.  It  is 
occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  service-. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  June  7.  1SSS, 
March  2,  1895,  and  June  4,  1897. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  $81,!M>2.44.  In  1900  the  population  of  the  city  was 
105,171. 

The  building  shown  in  the  background  in  the  accompanying  illus- 
tration Is  the  Passaic  County  court-house. 

12242— ol  25 


386 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


387 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  TRENTON.  N.  J. 

This  building  is  located  on  :i  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  south 
200  feet  by  East  State  street,  on  the  west  148  feet  by  Montgomery 
.street,  on  the  north  199  feet  by  a  12-foot  alley,  and  on  the  east  14"> 
by  private  property. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  August  1873,  for  sso.ooo.  and 
the  building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  the  same  year.  It 
was  completed  and  occupied  throughout  in  1878,  the  post-office  por- 
tion being  occupied,  however.  July  1.  1S77.  The  cost  of  construction 
was  $326,382.26.  The  exterior  walls  are  of  sandstone,  quarried  at 
Amherst,  Ohio. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  structure  were  made  by  acts 
of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1871,  March  is,  1872.  March  3,  1 >>".">. 
July  31,  1876,  March  3,  1S77,  April  80,  1878,  and  dune  20,  L878 
(approaches). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  649,200  feet.  It  Is  heated  by 
hot  water  and  is  provided  with  an  electric  passenger  elevator.  The 
rooms  occupied  are  twelve  in  number,  they  being  assigned  principally 
to  the  post-office  and  United  States  courts. 

The  postal  receipts  during  the  year  ended  June  30.  LS'.tlt.  aggregated 
$107,702.54.  The  population  of  the  city  in  l87o  wa-  22,874;  in  L880, 
29,910,  and  in  1900,  73.3o7. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


389 


COURT-HOUSE,  ETC..  SANTA  FE.  X.  MEX. 

This  building  fronts  south  on  Catson  avenue,  between  Washington 
avenue  on  the  east,  (riant  avenue  on  the  w  >st,  and  Federal  place  on 
the  north.  The  site  is  a  part  of  land  which  at  the  signing  of  the 
treaty  of  1848  belonged  to  the  Government  of  Mexico,  and  was  then 
conveyed  to  the  United  States. 

Under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  September  30. 
1850  (the  territorial  government  being  established  by  act  of  September 
9,  1850),  providing  for  public  buildings  for  New  Mexico,  this  building, 
designed  as  a  capitol.  was  commenced  in  1*53,  and  the  walls  of  the 
structure  carried  to  the  first-floor  line,  when  the  work  was  discontinued, 
and  was  not  resumed  until  January  13,  1888,  when  a  contract  was 
awarded  for  its  completion.  It  was  completed  in  the  latter  pari  of 
1889,  the  total  cost  being  $142,240.50. 

Provision  for  a  statehouse  was  made  by  the  Territorial  legislature  in 
the  winter  of  1883,  and  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  February  9,  L887, 
authorized  the  completion  of  this  building  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  United  States  courts  and  other  Government  offices. 

It  contains  a  space  of  513,01*0  cubic  feet,  and  is  occupied  principally 
by  the  internal-revenue  service,  land  office,  and  United  States  land 
court.    Steam  heat  is  furnished  from  one  boiler. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  September 
80,  1850,  May  31,  1854,  June  25,  1860,  March  3,  1887,  October  2, 
1888,  March  2,  L889  (furniture),  and  March  3,  1891  (outstanding  lia- 
bilities). 

In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  wastl. Is;,,  and  in  L900  it  was 
5,003. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  plaza  at  Santa  Fe  is  an  adobe  "  palace,"  a 
portion  of  which  is  now  occupied  by  the  post-office.  It  was  constructed 
about  1680,  and  was  used  as  an  executive  mansion  under  the  Mexican 
legime.  Since  the  acquisition  of  the  Territory  by  the  United  States 
it  has  been  occupied  by  various  Government  offices.  On  May  L9, 
L892,  it  was  transferred  from  the  Treasury  to  the  Interior  Department, 
and  by  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  April'.).  L900,  was  com  eyed,  with 
other  property,  to  the  city  of  Santa  Fe.  In  July,  1900,  the  city  had 
not  yet  taken  formal  possession  of  the  building. 


390 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


391 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  ALBANY,  N.  V. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  La  located  on  a 
plot  of  ground  hounded  on  the  west  138  foot  in  inches  hy  Broadway, 
on  the  south  150  feet  0  inches  hy  State  street,  and  on  the  east  1»'>7  feet 
by  Dean  street.  The  main  front  is  on  Broadway.  On  the  north  side  of 
the  lot.  and  located  thereon,  is  an  alley  extending  from  Broadway  157 
feet  11  inches  to  Dean  street. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  L2,  L872,  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  a- custom-house  and  post-office  on  land  to  he  donated  by 
the  city  or  citizens  of  Albany.  Acts  of  March  3,  1873,  and  dune  23, 
1874,  appropriated  $l.").">,0OO  toward  the  purchase  of  a  site,  <>n  condi- 
tion that  the  city  or  citizens  would  subscribe  the  balance  necessary. 
The  present  site  was  purchased  dune  •  >.  1*74.  for  $275,000,  with  the 
exception  of  a  strip  28  feet  8  inches  wide  (Exchange  street)  extending 
from  Broadway  to  Dean  street,  which  was  donated  to  the  Government 
by  the  city  of  Albany. 

The  building  was  commenced  in  dune.  I sTT.  and  completed  in  the 
latter  part  of  1884.  It  was  occupied,  however,  about  January  I,  L884. 
The  cost  of  construction  was  $623,565.21. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 

approved  June  10,  1872,  March  ::.  1*73,  dune  I'."..  1*74.  March  8,  1877, 
June  20,  1878,  March  3,  L879,  June  L6,  L880,  March:'..  1881,  August 
7,  1882,  March  3,  1883,  May  L,  1884,  duly  7.  1884,  and  dune  6,  L900 
(repairs). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  1,404,600  feet.  It  is  heated 
by  steam  and  provided  with  elevator  service.  Besides  the  first  floor, 
which  is  occupied  by  the  city  post-office,  the  number  of  rooms  occupied 
is  forty-three,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal,  custom.-.,  internal- 
revenue,  steamboat-inspection,  and  Weather  Bureau  services,  the 
United  States  courts,  and  the  pension  department. 

The  following  is  a  comparative  statement  of  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  during  fiscal  years  ending  June  30:  Internal  revenue. 
1SS5.  about  #800.00(1;  lS'.W,  S3.NSO.  1  71  .-j:>;  postal.  l.vC>.  about  *l«>n.ooo: 
1809,  |251,288.7o.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  90,758,and 
in  1900  it  was  94,151. 


392 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  Pl'KLIC  BUILDIXOS. 


393 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE,  FTC.  AUBURN,  N.  V. 

This  building  18  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Genesee  and 
Green  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  167  feet  1  inch  on 
the  former,  and  east  1!»H  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land  was  secured 
by  condemnation  for  the  sum  of  $49,500,  payment  of  which  was  made 
December  -27,  1886. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  July  24, 
1888.  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  May  1.  lS'.K).  the 
cost  of  construction  being-  $14!U52o.!»0.  The  stone  used  in  the  walls 
of  the  superstructure  is  a  blue  limestone. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  March  8,  1885,  March  80,  1888,  and  March  3.  1891  (ap- 
proaches, etc.). 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  :■'>.">•>. 516  feet.  It  is  prov  ided 
with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  the  United  States  courts  and  pension  office,  lti  rooms 
being  assigned. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  about  $36,000,  and  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899, 
they  aggregated  £4tt.47s.4.">.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was 
25,858,  and  in  1900  it  was  3o,345. 


394 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-Hucse,  etc.,  Binghamton,  N.  Y, 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


395 


POST-OFFICE.  COl'RT-HOrSE.  ETC..  KINOHA.MTuN.  \.  y, 

The  United  States  Government  building  at  Binghamton,  N.  Y..  was 
authorized  and  appropriated  tor  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  Mareh 
3,  1887,  and  Mareh  L891. 

January  IS,  1888,  the  site  was  secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of 
$15,000,  and  has  a  frontage  on  the  west  of  200  feet  on  Wall  street, 
and  on  the  north  of  125  feet  on  Henry  street.  The  building  was  com- 
menced under  a  contract  awarded  June  23,  L888,  and  was  completed 
and  occupied  in  the  latter  pari  of  L891,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
*i:-57,687.82. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  558,6!»o  feet.  It  is  heated  bv 
steam,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  and  Weather  Bureau 
services. 

When  it  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipt-  amounted  to  $70,000 
per  annum.  They  had  increased  to  $125,<.)0l».4s  during  the  year  ended 
June  30.  IS!)!). 

In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  35,005,  and  in  1900  it  was 
3U,o47. 


396 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


397 


POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  BROOKLYN.  N.  Y. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  north  side  of  Johnson  street  and 
extends  from  Adams  street  on  the  east  to  Washington  street  on  the 
west.  The  main  front  is  on  Johnson  street,  there  being  a  public 
entrance  also  from  Washington  street. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  June  21,  1884,  for  the  sum  of 
$4< is, .",00.  and  has  a  frontage  of  2W  feet  on  Johnson  street  and  IT.",  feel 
on  Adams  and  Washington  streets.  September*,  L899,  additional  land 
was  secured  by  purchase  for  $20,000.  fronting  22  feet  4i  inches  on  this 
latter  street  and  121  feet  deep,  thus  making  the  Washington  street  front 
of  the  Government  lot  197  feet  44  inches.  This  latter  purchase  was 
authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  2  and  :!.  1*99. 
respectively. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  -pring  of  Is*.*),  and 
had  been  considerably  advanced  when  it  was  suspended  and  the  plans 
altered  by  reason  of  the  limit  of  cost  having  been  extended  by  an  act 
of  February  2.").  1**7.  from  Ssoo.oon.  includingsite,  to#l,.">OO.ooo.  exclu- 
sive of  site.  It  was  completed  and  occupied  March  28.  1*92.  the  cost 
of  construction  being  $1,499,945.26.  The  building  wa>  constructed 
of  Bodwcll  granite,  from  Maine.  It  covers  an  area  of  2.'5f»  by  !."..">  feet, 
(excepting  the  one-story  annex  at  the  rear,  which  was  constructed  at 
the  same  time  as  the  main  building  and  is  L32  by  40  feet)  and  contains 
a  cubic  space  of  8,600,000  feet.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is 
seventy-seven,  they  beingassigned  principally  tothe  postal  and  Internal- 
Revenue  Services  and  the  United  States  courts.  The  building  is  heated 
by  steam  and  is  provided  with  elevator  service  and  an  electric-lighting 
plant. 

The  legislation  on  its  account,  in  addition  to  the  acts  above  noted,  is 
contained  in  acts  approved  .Inly  12.  hM'.  August  7.  1**2.  March  3, 
1883,  March  3,  1885,  September  20,  1890,  and  March  2.  l*9.-»  (outstand- 
ing liabilities). 

The  gross  internal-revenue  receipts  for  the  years  ended  March  31, 
1892  and  I '.MM),  were  £:>,:J»00.4*4.95  and  &S.1M9.947.21.  respectively. 
The  postal  receipts  for  the  years  ended  June  30,  1892,  and  1899  were 
$813,262.-19  and  $1,325,047.83,  respectively. 

The  census  of  L890  gave  the  population  of  the  city  of  Brooklyn  as 
806,343,  and  that  of  1900  gave  the  population  of  the  borough  of 
Brooklyn  as  1,  lt><>,5*2.  This  increase  is  due  somewhat  to  the  annexa- 
tion by  the  city,  in  1*94,  of  the  towns  of  Flatbush,  Flatlands,  (naves- 
end,  and  New  Utrecht.  On  January  1,  1898,  Brooklyn  became  a 
borough  and  now  forms  part  of  New  York  City. 


398 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


399 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  BUFFALO,  N.  Y. 

This  building  is  Located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Washington  and 
Seneca  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  on  the  former  about 
125  feet  and  south  on  the  latter  140  feet.  The  site  was  secured  by 
purchase  May  12.  1 855,  for  the  sum  of  $45,050,  and  the  building  as 
originally  constructed  was  completed  and  occupied  in  October.  1*58. 
The  Washington  and  Seneca  street  facades  set  hack  from  the  lot  lines 

7  feet  4  inches  and  32  feet  ti  inches,  respectively.  The  extension, 
which  was  carried  out  to  the  lot  line  on  Seneca  street,  and  is  127  feet 

8  inches  long,  was  commenced  early  in  ls^4  and  was  completed  in 
lSNii.  October  9,  1896,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  construction 
of  a  one-story  brick  annex  extending  along  the  north  side  of  the  build- 
ing from  the  northeast  corner  about  62  feet,  and  along  the  east  side 
about  24  feet,  which  was  completed  and  occupied  in  January,  L897. 

The  cost  of  construction,  including  the  two  extensions,  is  about 
$I33(  ).()(m».  The  exterior  walls  of  the  main  building  and  the  extension  <>t' 
1880  are  faced  with  Ohio  sandstone.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  689,000 
feet,  is  heated  by  hot- water  system,  and  is  provided  witli  elevator  service. 
The  first  floor  is  devoted  exclusively  to  the  uses  of  the  postal  service, 
and  the  second  to  tin'  customs  and  internal-revenue  officials.  On  the 
third  floor  is  located  the  United  States  court  room  and  the  offices  of 
the  court  officials,  the  fourth  story,  or  attic,  being  assigned  for -tor- 
age  of  records,  etc.  It  is  believed,  however,  that  this  building  will 
be  vacated  by  the  Government  officials  when  the  new  post-office  at 
Buffalo,  IS'.  V.  (see  page  -4* ►  1 ) .  is  ready  for  occupancy. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  i-  contained  in  act-  of 
Congress  approved  August  4.  18.">4.  April  5,  185n\  .March  3.  1.N57. 
August  7,  L882,  March  3,  L883,  March  3.  L885,  A.ugus<  4.  L886, 
March  30.  ISNS.  and  dune  11.  1S1MJ. 

From  L860  to  1899  the  postal  revenues  increased  from  £3,533.82  to 
$790,309.(50.  In  1870  the  population  of  the  citv  was  117.714.  and  in 
1900  it  was  352,387. 

In  connection  with  the  custom-  service  at  Buffalo,  the  I'nited  States 

Government  owns  two  small  wooden  structure-  which  are  occupied  as 

Offices  by  deputy  collectors. 

The  Ferry  street  custom-  olfice  is  two  stories  high,  about  22  by  80 
feet  in  plan,  and  stands  on  ground  rented  from  the  Auckinvole  estate. 
It  is  located  on  the  north  side  of  Ferry  street,  near  the  bank  of  the 
Erie  Canal  and  about  800  feet  from  the  Niagara  River,  this  being  the 
landing  for  the  ferry  plying  between  Fort  Brie,  Canada,  and  the  city 
of  Buffalo.  The  building  was  constructed  in  1875  for  the  sum  of 
$1,400,  authorized  by  the  Treasury  Department  on  March  19  of  thai 
year. 

The  other  customs  office  is  located  at  the  side  of  the  Grand  Trunk 
Railroad  depot  near  the  approach  to  the  international  bridge,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  west  by  Niagara  street  and  on  the  south  by  Porter 
square.    It  is  two  stories  high  and  was  constructed  in  1872. 


400 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


401 


POST-OFFICE,  BUFFALO,  N.  Y. 

This  building'  is  located  on  the  square  hounded  on  the  north  .°>oo  feet 
by  South  Division  street,  south  300  feet  by  Swan  street,  east  241  feet 
by  Oak  street,  and  on  the  west  241  feet  by  Ellicott  street,  the  main 
facade  being  on  the  latter,  there  being  entrances  also  from  Swan  and 
South  Division  streets. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  February  •'».  1892,  for  the 
sum  of  ^vt7(i,250  and  excavations  for  the  foundations  were  commenced 
under  a  contract  awarded  September'),  ls!»4.  The  structure  is  now 
(December,  1900)  practically  complete  and  will  be  occupied  early  in 
the  coming  year. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  April  5,  1888,  March  3.  L891,  March  :;.  18M.  August  IS, 
18!>4,  March  2,  1895,  June  11,  1896,  dune  4.  L897,  Julv  1.  Ls9S,  and 
March  3,  1899. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  a  pinkish  granite  from  quarries  at 
Jonesboro,  Me.,  is  2(50  by  220  feet  in  plan  and  contain-  a  -pace  of 
4,704,782  cubic  feet,  the  cost  of  construction  to  the  present  being  about 
$1,592,000.  Above  the  basement  floor  there  are  one  hundred  and 
six  office  rooms,  assigned  to  the  postal,  custom,  and  internal-revenue 
services;  United  States  courts,  pension  agency.  Steamboat-Inspection 
Service,  Light -House  Board,  etc.  In  its  interior  as  well  as  exterior  treat- 
ment it  is  a  successful  example  of  the  adaptation  of  the  ( ioi  hie  style  of 
architecture  to  the  necessities  of  a  ( rovernment  business  building.  The 
public  corridors  and  lobbies  of  the  first  Hoor  are  finished  in  polished 
w  hite  marble  and  have  groined  ceilings  decorated  in  colors  and  spring- 
ing from  marble  columns  or  pilasters.  The  main  corridor  extends 
around  three  sides  of  the  cortile,  which  has  a  glazed  ceiling,  giving 
ample  light  for  the  working  force  of  the  post-office  occupying  this 
portion  of  the  building.  Above  this  ceiling  the  cortile  is  open  clear  to 
the  skylight,  four  stories  above,  each  story  having  an  open  gallery  or 
corridor  facing  the  cortile  and  well  lighted  therefrom.  The  walls  of 
these  corridors  have  enameled  brick  wainscots  with  floors  of  terrazzo 
and  mosaic,  which  is  the  material  used  for  all  the  floors  of  the  public 
portions  of  the  building.  On  the  fourth  floor  arc  located  the  circuit 
and  district  court  rooms,  w  hich  are  spacious  and  lofty  apartments  hav  - 
ing high  wainscots  of  marble  and  paneled  oak.  The  wood  finish 
throughout  is  generally  mahogany  for  the  public  portions  and  oak  for 
the  offices.  In  the  basement  are  located  four  horizontal  tubular  heat- 
ing boilers  provided  with  smokeless  furnaces.  The  building  i-  sup- 
plied w  ith  fresh  warmed  air,  heated  to  the  proper  degree  by  indirect 
radiators  in  the  basement,  and  is  ventilated  by  the  plenum,  vacuum, 
and  aspiration  systems  combined.  There  arc  also  direct  radiator- 
distributed  throughout  the  rooms  and  corridors  to  assist  the  indirect 
system  of  Inviting.  Adjoining  the  Kllicott  and  Swan  street  entrances 
are  located  four  electric  passenger  elevators  w  hich  are  to  be  operated 
by  current  obtained  from  an  outside  plant. 

12242—01  26 


Coukt-House  and  Post-Ofpice,  Canandaigua,  N.  Y, 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


403 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  CANANDAIGUA,  N.  Y. 

June  29,  1860,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  August 
18,  1856,  the  county  of  Ontario  Leased  permanently  to  the  United 
States  four  rooms  in  this  building  for  the  sum  of  $12,0OM,  and  under 
authority  of  an  act  of  January  24,  1873,  &is,ooo  weir  paid  to  the 
county  for  the  perpetual  use.  repair,  and  care  of  half  of  the  building. 

The  structure  is  located  in  a  block  bounded  on  the  north  by  (ior- 
ham,  east  by  Court,  south  by  Ontario,  and  west  by  .Main  streets,  and 
fronts  on  the  latter  street.  It  is  faced  with  yellow  pressed  brick,  and 
was  completed  in  1859.  The  post  office  is  located  on  the  first  floor 
and  the  United  States  courts  on  the  second. 

Since  the  occupation  of  the  building  by  the  post-office  the  animal 
gross  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  $5.oou,  to  £l5.ouo  in 
18!)!).  The  population  of  the  city  in  1870  was  1,862,  and  in  1900  it 
was  6,151. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


405 


POST-OFFICE.  NEWBURG,  N.  V. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  J  an- 
uary  12,  1891,  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  3,  1891.  The 
site  was  secured  by  purchase  duly  12.  1S!>2,  for  the  sum  of  &3ti..")O0, 
and  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Montgomery 
streets,  with  a  frontage  of  12")  feet  north  on  the  former,  and  100  feet 
west  on  the  latter.  There  is  a  fall  of  2b'  feet  in  the  grade  of  the  lot 
from  the  southwest  to  the  northeast  corner. 

The  concrete  foundations  were  laid  under  a  contract  awarded  Sep- 
tember 7,  1895,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  October 
9,  1898,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $03,047.96.  The  walls  of  the 
basement  are  of  Vermont  brownstone.  and  thoseof  the  superstructure 
of  handmade  selected  red  brick,  with  Vermont  brownstone  trimmings. 

The  style  of  architecture  is  semigothic,  designed  on  picturesque 
lines  to  suit  the  location,  which  is  on  the  slope  to  the  Hudson  River. 

The  building  contains  a  space  of  L87,85]  cubic  feet,  and  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services.  Steam  heat  i>  supplied 
by  the  Consolidated  Gas.  Electric  Light,  Heat,  and  Power  Company. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  lS9i*,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $53,842.07.  In  L890the  population  of  the  city  was  23,087, 
and  in  L900  it  was  24,943. 


406 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDIX;-. 


407 


APPRAISERS'  WAREHOUSE,  NEW  YORK.  N.  V. 

The  appraisers'  warehouse  in  New  York  city  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Christopher  street,  east  by  Greenwich  street,  south  by  Harrow 
street,  and  west  by  Washington  street,  the  north  and  west  fronts 
being  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration. 

It  was  authorized  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  September  14.  Lsjss, 
and  June  28,  1M!>0.  The  site  was  secured  under  dates  of  March  is. 
1891,  and  November  17.  1891,  by  purchase  and  condemnation,  for  the 
sum  of  $4(.»2.!»;")4.<;i).  The  ground  has  a  frontage  of  2:5s  feet  1  If  inches 
on  Christopher  street.  2'.mi  feet  on  Greenwich  street,  20N  feet  24  inches 
on  Barrow  street,  and  214  feet  3  inches  on  Washington  street.  The 
erection  of  the  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
November  L9,  ls'.»2.  On  account  of  the  limited  appropriation,  how- 
ever, but  two  stories  were  constructed  under  this  contract,  and  a  tem- 
porary roof  supplied.  An  act  of  March  2.  ls'.»r>.  extended  the  limit 
of  cost,  and  on  July  3,  1896,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  steel  and  iron 
construction  in  carrying  the  building  up  to  the  tenth  story.  The 
structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  April,  1899,  the  total  cosl  of 
const  ruct  ion  being  $1,81 8,373.0 1 . 

It  contains  a  space  of  <.t.7oo,4.*>4  cubic  feet,  and  has  one  hundred  and 
fifty-three  rooms  occupied  entirely  by  the  customs  service.  The  vari- 
ous floors  are  carried  over  the  entire  area  of  the  building  (witli  the 
exception  of  elevator  shafts  and  stair  hall),  the  examining  rooms,  etc.. 
being  arranged  along  the  outer  walls.  In  the  center  is  an  elevator 
shaft  t>t>  feet  by  42  feet  '.»  inches,  in  which  are  ten  freight  elev  ators. 
Besides,  there  are  two  passenger  elevators  near  the  stair  hall  on  the 
Washington-street  side.    The  building  is  heated  by  steam  from  tour 

I  toilers. 

In  addition  to  the  legislation  above  noted,  appropriations  on  account 
of  the  construction  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  8,  1896,  June  11.  1896,  June  4.  1897,  and  July  7.  1898. 

During  the  years  ended  April  30,  1899,  and  April  30,  1900,  the 
number  of  packages  received  at  this  warehouse  for  appraisement 
amounted  to  405,993  and  42!».24.">.  respectively. 


408 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


409 


ASSAY  OFFICE.  NEW  YORK.  N.  Y. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  north  side  of  Wall  street  (Nos.  80  and 
32),  between  William  and  Nassau.  The  assay  office  in  New  York  was 
established  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  IS53,  and  an  act 
of  August  4.  ls">4.  authorized  the  purchase  of  this  property.  The 
building  and  land  was  purchased  August  30,  1854.  from  the  Hank  of 
Commerce  and  tin*  Hank  of  the  State  of  New  York  for  the  sum  of 
$530,000.  the  eastern  half  of  the  .structure  being  occupied  by  the 
former  institution  and  the  western  half  by  the  latter.  The  land  con- 
veyed with  the  building  consists  of  a  frontage  of  74  feet  1 1  inches  and 
a  depth  of  120  feet  3  inches  on  the  eastern  line,  and  111*  feet  '■'<%  inches 
on  the  western.  With  this  purchase  the  Government  received  full 
interest  in  the  allej*  11  feet  4  inches  wide  between  the  assay  ottice  and 
siibtreasury.  The  facade  of  this  building  is  of  Westchester  marble, 
except  the  columns  above  the  entrance,  which  are  of  French  marble. 
The  sides  and  real-  are  of  brick. 

The  main  building  is  *><>  feet  deep,  and  at  its  rear,  separated  by  an 
open  court  IS  feet  wide,  is  a  six-story  brick  refinery  building,  '■'>•<  feet 
wide,  and  extending  from  the  west  to  the  east  line  of  the  main  structure. 
This  refinery  was  constructed  in  1853-54.  ('apt.  (i.  W.  Odium.  United 
States  Engineer  Corps,  being  superintendent  of  construction. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  lS'.W.  there  was  deposited  at  this 
assay  ottice  gold  and  silver  in  value  *.">4. 1  27.533.45  and  £.s.2os.!il  :>.:>!». 
respectively. 

At  the  rear  of  the  refinery,  and  extending  74  feet  north  to  Pine 
street,  with  a  frontage  on  this  street  of  23  feet  3  inches  extending  easl 
from  the  subtreasury,  is  a  Government  lot  used  in  connection  with  the 
assay  office,  and  generally  designated  as  No.  23  Pine  Street.  It  came 
into  the  possession  of  the  I'nited  States  in  the  satisfaction  of  a  judgment 
obtained  May  17.  1N43.  against  Mr.  Jesse  Hoyt,  collector  of  Customs. 
Under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  ls.~>4.  the 
property  was  bid  in  by  the  United  States  for  the  sum  of  $14,000,  at  a 
public  auction  March  IS.  1S.">7.  Under  an  act  of  March  3,  L859,  a  mort- 
gage on  the  same  was  satisfied,  in  amount  $10,000,  with  accrued 
interest.  The  building  on  the  lot  was  removed  in  1875,  and  the  ground 
is  now  used  for  a  carpenter  shop.  tank.  etc..  in  connection  with  the 
assay  office.  On  the  Pine  street  line  there  is  constructed  a  high-brick 
wall. 


410 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Barge  Office,  New  York,  N.  Y. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


411 


BARGE  OFFICE.  NEW  YORK.  X.  Y. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  is  located  on  a 
portion  of  the  old  Battery  Park,  at  the  most  southerly  point  of  .Man- 
hattan Island,  and  between  the  Staten  Island  ferry  slip  on  the  east  and 
what  is  known  as  the  New  Whitehall  boat  slip  on  the  west. 

The  establishment  of  the  Barge  Office  at  this  point  was  authorized 
by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2.  lKt>7,  and  on  April  18.  L867, 
the  United  States  purchased  from  the  city  of  New  York,  for  $lo,ooo, 
a  piece  of  ground  west  of  and  adjoining  the  Staten  Island  ferry  slip, 
with  a  frontage  north  of  225  feet,  south  250  feet,  east  256  feet,  and 
west  227  feet  6  inches.  June  19,  1879,  a  triangular  piece  of  ground 
extending  along  the  water's  edge  westerly  to  the  New  Whitehall  boat 
slip  was  purchased  from  the  city  for  $4,000. 

Under  appropriations  made  by  acts  of  March  2.  18t>7.  July  20,  ISHK, 
March  3,  L869,  and  July  15,  1870.  a  granite  seawall  and  slip  were  con- 
structed and  completed  in  IsTl.  at  a  cost  of  £211.752. s2.  The  slip, 
which  is  between  the  Barge  Office  and  the  Staten  Island  ferry  pier,  is 
102  feet  wide  at  its  north  end,  and  125  feet  wide  at  its  mouth,  the  east 
line  being  239  feet  11£  inches  and  the  west  line  201  feet. 

A  contract  for  the  foundations  of  the  building  was  awarded  April  s. 
1SS0,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  December.  ISS2. 
It  is  of  granite  quarried  at  East  Blue  Hill.  Hancock  County.  Me.  In 
addition  to  the  stone  building  which  fronts  on  Battery  Park,  there 
was  constructed  at  the  same  time  an  iron  structure,  or  annex,  at  its 
rear,  extending  to  within  about  1<>  feet  of  the  dock  line.  The  cost  of 
constructing  the  entire  building  was  about  $3oo.ooo.  It  has  a  cubic 
contents  of  380,700  feet,  and  is  provided  with  steam  heat  from  two 
boilers. 

Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  June  15.  L878, 
March  3.  1881,  August  7,  1882,  and  March  3.  1883  (tower  clock,  etc.). 

Since  the  destruction  by  fire  of  the  immigration  buildings  on  Bills 
Island.  June  14,  l.S'.it;,  the  greater  portion  of  the  Barge  Office  building 
has  been  occupied  by  the  officials  of  the  immigration  service  pending 
the  construction  of  a  new  immigrant  station  on  the  island. 

The  first  Baige  Office  at  New  York  was  located  on  the  shore  of  a 
strip  of  land  formed  by  the  junction  with  the  river  of  two  small  inlets, 
one  running  up  what  is  now  Broad  street  and  the  other  up  Whitehall 
street.  After  the  war  of  1812  the  Barge  Office  was  established  at  the 
foot  of  Whitehall  street,  where  it  remained  until  the  erection  of  the 
present  building. 

At  the  head  of  the  slip  east  of  the  Barge  Office  is  a  two-story  frame 
structure  built  on  the  Barge  Office  site.  About  1S83  the  first  story 
of  this  structure  was  erected  jointly  by  the  Associated  Press  and  the 
Western  Union  Telegraph  Company,  and  subsequently  the  second 
story  was  added,  it  being  occupied  by  the  Marine  Hospital  Service 
August  6,  1884.  The  first  floor  is  at  present  occupied  by  the  shipping 
news  office  and  the  New  York  Sun,  and  the  second  floor  is  used  as  a 
marine  hospital  office  and  dispensary. 


412 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


413 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  NEW  YORK,  X.  Y. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  18,  1850,  and 
January  22,  18<>7.  April  16,  1807,  the  United  States  purchased  from  the  city  of  New 
York  for  §500,000  a  piece  of  ground  at  the  south  end  of  the  City  Hall  Park  described 
as  follows:  Beginning  on  the  easterly  side  of  Broadway,  at  a  point  17  feet  1  inch 
south  of  the  projected  northerly  line  of  Park  Place,  extending  thence  southerly  along 
Broadway  300  feet,  thence  in  a  circular  line  150  feet  to  a  point  on  Park  Row,  north- 
easterly on  Park  Row  300  feet,  thence  westerly  320  feet  2  inches  to  point  of  begin- 
ning. The  property  was  deeded  to  the  United  States  exclusively  for  a  court-house 
and  post-office,  anil  a  condition  of  the  deed  is  that  if  at  any  time  the  premises  cease 
to  be  "used  for  the  purposes  above  limited,  or  for  some  one  of  them,  or  if  the  same 
shall  be  used  for  any  other  purpose  than  those  above  specified,"  the  title  to  the 
property  shall  revert  to  the  city  of  New  York. 

Excavations  for  foundations  were  commenced  March  17,  1869,  the  same  being 
extended  33  feet  below  the  street  level,  and  the  building  was  occupied  August  25, 
1875.  Some  items  in  completion  and  alterations  in  the  building  still  remained,  and  it 
was  not  finally  finished  until  18S0.  The  cost  of  constructing  and  furnishing  the 
building  was  §8,549,832.63. 

The  granite  of  which  the  exterior  walls  are  constructed  was  obtained  from  Dix 
Island,  Maine.  The  Government  purchased  the  stone  quarried  at  a  specified  rate  per 
cubic  foot.  It  was  then  cut  and  delivered  at  the  building  by  a  contractor,  who  was 
allowed  15  per  cent  above  his  actual  expenditures.  It  was  laid  by  day  labor 
employed  by  the  United  States. 

The  building  covers  most  of  the  site  and  contains  a  space  of  S, 334, 200  cubic  feet. 
In  the  subbasement  is  located  the  mechanical  plant,  consisting  of  boilers,  engines, 
pumps,  etc.  The  post-office  occupies  the  entire  basement  and  tirst  floor,  nearly  all 
the  mezzanine  gallery,  and  twenty-six  rooms  on  the  second  Hoor,  besides  fifteen 
rooms  on  the  fifth  floor  used  for  storage  and  as  railway  mail  clerks'  dormitories.  The 
registry  division  is  located  on  the  mezzanine  gallery  and  the  money -order  division  on 
the  second  floor.  Most  of  the  remaining  portion  of  the  building  is  occupied  by  the 
United  States  courts  and  court  officials.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  throughout,  from 
eight  boilers,  and  the  building  is  well  equipped  with  passenger  and  freight  elevators 
and  mail  lifts. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  bv  acts  of  Congress 
approved  August  18,  185(5,  January  22,  18(57,  March  3,  1869,  April  20.  1870,  July  15, 
1870,  March  3,  1871  (vol.  10,  p.  509),  March  3,  1871  (vol.  Hi,  p.  515),  February  5, 
1873,  March  3,  1873,  June  23,  1874,  March  3,  1875,  July  31.  1870,  August  14,  1876, 
April  30,  1878,  March  3,  1879,  June  1(5,  1880  (elevators),  March  3,  ISS1  i  approaches  I, 
August  5,  1892,  and  August  18,  1894  (improvements) ,  June  1 1 ,  !S9li  |  altering  rooms  ), 
July  1,  1898  (mailing  platform,  etc.),  March  .!.  1899  (pneumatic  tube  plant),  and 
June  6,  1900  (repairs). 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  year  prior  to  the  occupation  of  this 
building  were  $3,129,813.58,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  thev  were 
§8,811,547.83.  In  187Q  the  population  of  the  city  was  942,292;  in  L890i1  was  1,515,301, 
and  in  1900,  3,437,202.  The  census  of  1900  includes  Kings  County,  Richmond 
County,  the  larger  part  of  Queens  County,  and  a  small  part  of  Westchester  County, 
which  became  a  part  of  New  York  City  on  January  I,  1898.  Prior  to  the  consolida- 
tion of  1898  the  city  consisted  of  what  is  now  the  borough  of  Manhattan  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  borough  of  Bronx. 

Prior  to  the  occupation  of  this  building  the  city  post-office  was  located  in  the  old 
Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  on  the  east  side  of  Nassau  between  Liberty  and 
Cedar  streets,  which  property  was  purchased  October  29,  18i>(),  for  §200,000,  under 
authority  of  an  act  of  August  18,  1850,  and  was  sold  October  18,  1882,  to  the  Mutual 
Life  Insurance  Company  of  New  York  for  §050,000,  under  authority  of  an  act  of 
July  21,  1882. 


414 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


415 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  NEW  YORK,  X.  V, 

This  building  fronts  on  Wall  street,  and  occupies  the  block  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Wall  street,  east  by  Hanover  street,  south  by  Exchange 
place,  and  west  by  William  street.  In  1862  the  customs  officials  vacated 
what  is  now  the  subtreasury  building,  and  occupied  a  portion  of  the 
present  custom-house  then  rented  by  the  Government.  April  2!». 
1865,  the  United  States  purchased  the  property  from  the  New  York 
Exchange  Company  for  £l. 000,  out),  under  authority  of  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  January  25,  1  >><>."».  The  American  Hank  Note  Company 
occupied  a  portion  of  the  building  under  a  ten-year  Lease,  and  vacated 
the  premises  in  May.  1S6*>,  in  consideration  of  the  payment  to  them 
by  the  United  States  of  $40,250.  Alterations  and  repairs  were  made 
under  acts  of  March  2.  L867,  and  July  -i:>.  Im'.s. 

The  structure  is  of  marble,  and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  3,410,000 
feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  hot  water,  provided  by  four  steam 
boilers  and  four  hot-water  heaters,  and  is  equipped  with  two  passenger 
elevators,  operated  by  electricity  generated  in  the  building. 

Provision  for  the  sale  of  the  property  at  public  auction  wa>  made  by 
acts  of  March  3,  lS'.H,  March  2.  IS1C),  and  March  2,  L899,  and  on 
August  IS,  L899,  a  contract  was  entered  into  with  the  National  City 
Bank  of  New  York  for  the  conveyance  to  the  bank  of  the  building  and 
land  for  $3,265,000,  it  being  the  highest  sum  offered.  A  cash  pay- 
ment in  the  sum  of  £7.r)0.000  was  made  when  the  contract  was  executed, 
and  another  payment  shortly  afterwards,  the  balance  to  bear  4  percent 
interest  until  paid.  When  final  payment  is  made,  title  to  the  property 
is  to  be  conveyed  to  the  bank,  and  in  the  event  that  this  is  before  the 
completion  of  the  new  custom-house  to  be  constructed  <>n  the  south 
side  of  Bowling  Green  the  United  States  is  to  lease  the  building  at  the 
annual  rental  now  paid.  viz.  $130,600,  or  I  percent  of  the  purchase 
price.  Other  conditions  of  the  agreement  are  that  the  I'nited  States 
is  to  make  all  repairs  necessary  to  the  building,  and  is  to  notify  the 
bank  in  writing  six  months  in  advance  of  the  conveyance  of  the  prop- 
erty and  of  the  occupation  of  the  new  custom-house.  The  yearly 
average  value  of  the  exports  and  imports  at  the  port  of  New  York 
from  1SS5  to  lsitu  was$3t;i,215.1!>l  and  ^71,994,612,  respectively.  In 
I860  the  population  of  New  York  was  813,669,  and  in  1900  that  of 
Greater  New  York  (see  page  413)  was  3,437, 202. 


416  HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  BUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


417 


SUBTREASURY,  NEW  YORK.  N,  V. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  fronts  south 
on  Wall  street  and  is  hounded  on  the  north  by  Pine  street,  west  by 
Nassau  street,  and  is  separated  from  the  assay  office  on  the  east  by  a 
passageway  extending  from  Wall  to  Pine  street. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  December  2.  1816,  Decembers, 
1832,  December  14,  1832,  and  .January  11,  1833,  for  the  total  sum  of 
$270,000.  The  purchase  of  L816  was  a  site  for  the  old  custom-house, 
which  occupied  the  ground  until  it  was  embraced  in  a  site  for  the  pres- 
ent subtreasury  building.  This  building  was  constructed  for  use  of 
the  customs  service  and  was  occupied  by  such  from  the  time  of  it-  com- 
pletion (May  1S42)  until  1862,  when  it  was  occupied  as  a  subtreasury. 

It  is  constructed  of  marble  from  West  Stock  bridge,  Mass..  has  walls 
about  5  feet  thick,  and  cost  $939,301,  exclusive  of  ground.  The  build- 
ing contains  a  cubic  space  of  1 . 140. tit it »  feet,  and  has  twenty-two  rooms. 
Artificial  heat  is  supplied  by  one  hot-water  boiler,  and  power  to  oper- 
ate a  hydraulic  freight  elevator  by  a  small  steam  (toiler  through  a 
Worthington  pump.  The  entrances  are  from  Wall  and  Pine  streets, 
and  to  the  basement  from  Nassau  street. 

The  volume  of  business  transacted  by  the  subtreasury  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1899,  amounted  to  about  $3.;>ss.ooo.oo<>. 

On  this  site  stood  the  building  in  which  the  first  meeting  of  Con- 
gress was  held  after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution,  and  in  which 
Washington  was  inaugurated  first  President  of  the  1'nited  State-. 
This  event  was  commemorated  November  2.'>.  l.s.s:!  (the  centennial 
anniversary  of  the  evacuation  of  New  York  by  the  British),  by  the 
presentation  to  the  Government  by  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  the 
large  bronze  statue  of  Washington  placed  at  the  Wall  street  entrance 
to  the  building. 

12242—01  27 


418 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


419 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  NIAGARA  FALLS.  N.  Y. 

This  building  18  located  on  the  northeast  coi  ner  of  Bridge  avenue 
and  Whirlpool  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  75  feet  on 
the  former,  and  west  86  feet  7  inches  on  the  latter.  The  ground,  with 
building  thereon,  was  purchased  August  15.  lN'i7.  for  £t;,ini<>.  which 
purchase  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2, 
1867.  The  east  line  of  the  lot  extends  northerly  117  feet  11  inches  to 
Bath  avenue,  on  which  avenue  the  lot  has  a  frontage  of  1«J  feet. 

Bridge  avenue,  which  passes  in  front  of  the  building,  forms  the 
approach  for  railroad  tracks  crossing  the  suspension  bridge,  which  i- 
but  a  portion  of  a  block  west  of  Whirlpool  street.  Besides  the  main 
entrance  on  this  avenue  there  is  also  a  public  entrance  on  the  east  side 
which  affords  direct  access  to  the  post -office  lobby. 

The  building  was  constructed  for  a  bonded  warehouse.  In  lbtisthe 
interior  was  remodeled,  at  a  cost  of  about  £2<>,(M»o.  and  it  was  occupied 
early  in  LW.t.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  204.NOO  feet  and  is  heated 
by  steam  from  one  boiler. 

The  principal  business  conducted  in  the  building  is  customs,  there 
being  also  a  branch  post-office  located  therein.  The  value  of  the 
imports  received  in  the  district  during  the  year  ended  December  31, 
lsii'.i,  were,  dutiable.  *1,!M»1. lL>(»:  free.  *7o!».4ns.  I„  i;tiiu  the  popula- 
tion was  l'.),457.  An  act  of  March  -!L.  iKH.s.  changed  the  name  of  this 
port  from  Suspension  Bridge,  by  which  it  was  formerly  known,  to 
N  iagara  Falls. 


420 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


421 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  OGDENSBURG,  N.  Y. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  18,  1856.  authorized  the  erec- 
tion of  a  custom-house  and  post-office  building  at  Ogdensburg.  N.  V.. 
and  made  an  appropriation  therefor,  ruder  date  of  February  1'*. 
1857,  the  site  was  secured  by  purchase  for  $8,000.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  north  141  feet  84  inches  by  Spinner  street,  east  145  feet  7  inches 
by  State  street,  south  117  feet  6  inches  by  Knox  street,  and  on  the 
west  147  feet  7  inches  by  South  Water  street.  In  ls*>7  the  building 
was  commenced,  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part 
of  1869,  the  cost  of  construction  being  #22iU»50.5N. 

The  building  fronts  on  State  street,  with  entrances  also  from  Spin- 
ner and  Knox  streets,  that  from  the  latter  street  leading  directly 
to  the  post-office  working  room.  It  is  constructed  of  Berea  (Ohio) 
sandstone,  and  contains  447,600  cubic  feet.  The  southern  pai  l  of  the 
first  story,  including  the  central  pavilion,  is  occupied  by  the  post-office, 
and  the  north  part  by  other  offices.  On  the  second  floor,  a  space  cor- 
responding to  that  used  by  the  post-office  i.~  fitted  up  for  and  assigned 
to  the  United  States  courts,  but  not  so  used  at  present,  sessions  of  court 
not  being  held  in  the  building.  The  northerly  portion  of  the  second 
story  is  used  by  the  customs  service.  The  third  floor  is  on  the  line  of 
the  molded  course  shown  in  the  illustration,  and  excepting  that  por- 
tion under  the  dome  is  lighted  principally  by  the  fan  light>  over  the 
second-story  windows.  This  floor  is  unoccupied  except  for  Btorage 
purposes.  The  building  is  provided  with  a  steam-heating  plant  operated 
by  two  boilers. 

In  addition  to  the  act  of  August  18,  L856,  appropriations  on  account 
of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  M. 
1857,  July  1S6S,  March  3.  1S6!»,  April  7,  1869,  April  20,  L870 
(v.  1(5,  p.  84,  approaches).  April  20.  1870  (v.  1(1.  p.  86,  furniture). 
Jul}'  15,  1870  (outstanding  liabilites),  and  June  lo,  1*7:1  (approaches). 

In  1S70  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $8,000,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  l,s;t;t,  to  £20,688. 3o.  The  population  of  the 
city  in  1870  was  1.0,076,  and  in  L900  it  was  L2,633. 


HISTORY  OF  PUKLIC  BLTLDINGS. 


423 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  OSWEGO,  X.  V. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  L854,  authorized  the  pur- 
chase of  :i  suitable  site  at  Oswego,  X.  V..  and  the  construction  thereon 
of  .1  stone  building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  customs  and  postal 
services.  1'nited  States  courts,  and  steamboat  inspectors.  Under  dates 
of  April  7  and  21,  1855,  a  plot  of  ground  on  the  south  side  of  Oneida 
street,  with  a  frontage  of  200  feet  hy  L32  feet  deep,  was  secured  by 
purchase  for  the  sum  of  §12,000,  and  the  present  building  constructed 
thereon,  it  being  completed  in  ls.Vs,  at  a  cost  of  £l l^.MTT.'.'s  exclusive 
of  site.  Additional  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts 
of  August  IS,  1S56,  and  dune  12,  1  S.YS. 

The  structure  contains  328,200  cubic  feet,  is  provided  with  steam 
heat,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  service,  steamboat 
inspectors,  and  Weather  Bureau  officials,  the  number  of  rooms  assigned 
being  eighteen. 

During  the  year  ended  .lime  SO,  1S!)!>,  the  gross  postal  receipts  aggre- 
gated $27,356.  and  the  value  of  the  exports  and  imports  entered  at  this 
port  were  $1,820,230,  and  $500,558,  respectively.  The  population  of 
Oswego  in  1870  was  20,910,  and  in  1900  it  was  22,199. 


424 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Plattsburg,  N.  Y. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


425 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND.  POST-OFFICE,  PLATTSBURG,  N.  V. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  ?,.  lSf)5.  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  made  an  appropriation  therefor,  and  on  May  !*.  ls.r>7.  the  site 
was  purchased  for  the  sum  of  $5,000.  The  land  is  located  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Hrinkerhoh"  and  Margaret  streets,  being  hounded 
on  the  north  by  the  former  345  feet  and  on  the  east  by  the  latter  148 
feet,  the  south  and  west  lines  being 250  and  L30  feet,  respectively.  At 
the  corner  of  this  lot  these  two  Streets  form  an  angle  of  about  54 
degrees,  Brinkerhoft  street  extending  east  and  west.  An  additional 
appropriation  on  account  of  construction,  etc.,  was  made  by  an  act  of 
June  12,  L858. 

The  building  is  located  on  Brinkerhotl'  street,  about  17a  feet  from 
Margaret  street,  and  cost,  exclusive  of  site.  *W>,425.17.  It  was  occu- 
pied January  22,  ls.Ys.  while  still  in  an  unfinished  condition.  The 
entrances  on  the  east  front  and  the  east  side  of  the  north  front  are  to 
the  post-office  lobby,  and  the  other  on  the  north  front  to  the  customs 
offices,  which  are  on  the  BBCOnd  floor.  The  building  is  constructed  of 
red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  and  contains  I7o.ooo  cubic  feet.  It 
is  provided  with  a  steam  heating  apparatus  operated  by  one  (toiler. 

There  are  about  forty  elm  trees  on  the  lot.  most  of  them  being 
between  the  building  and  Margaret  street. 

During  the  year  ended  June  3<>.  lSH'.t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $17,723.56.  When  the  building  was  constructed  the  population  at 
Plattsburg  was  about  4,500;  in  L900  it  was  8,434. 


426 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


427 


POST-OFFICE,  POUGHKEEPSIE,  X.  V. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Tnion  and  .Mar- 
ket streets,  on  a  plot  of  "round  fronting1  north  12<i  feet  on  the  former 
and  east  112  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  land  was  purchased  October  11,  1Sn3,  for  the  sum  of  *37.ooo, 
and  the  building  was  commenced  early  in  the  following  year,  it  being 
completed  and  occupied  November  13.  1886.  The  cost  of  construction 
was  $72, SOI. 40.  The  structure  is  built  of  red  brick  with  stone  trim- 
mings and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  28l,3uo  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam 
supplied  from  one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal 
service,  to  which  is  assigned  the  entire  first  floor. 

Legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  duly  15,  1882,  duly  7.  ISS4,  March  3,  L885,  August 
4,  1886,  and  March  30,  LSSS,  the  last  two  acts  appropriating  funds  on 
account  of  approaches,  etc. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  ls'.tl).  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  ftoti,  1)87.72.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  20,207  and  in 
1900  it  was  24,029. 


428 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


429 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC.  ROCHESTER,  X.  V. 

This  building'  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  <>f  Fitzhugh  and 
Church  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  213  feet  2  inches  on 
the  former,  south  15!)  feet  4  inches  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the 
east  by  Pendall  alley,  which  is  14  feet  6  inches  wide. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  July  10,  18S3,  for  the  sum  of 
£74,500,  and  masonry  work  on  the  basement  was  commenced  under 
contracts  awarded  December  29,  1884.  The  stonework  had  been  set 
to  the  second-story  sill  course,  when  the  limit  of  cost  of  the  building 
was  extended  from  $300,000  to  s.mkmmio  by  an  act  of  May  3,  1886. 
This  necessitated  new  sketch  plans,  etc.,  for  an  extension  of  the  original 
design  and  the  rebuilding  of  portions  of  the  walls  already  constructed. 
The  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  January,  ls!»l,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $513,440.41. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brown  sandstone  from  quarries  at 
Portland,  Conn.,  with  steps,  platforms,  buffer,  and  door  sills  of  base- 
ment and  first  story  of  granite.  It  has  a  cubic  contents  of  1,311,000 
feet,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  United  States  courts.  Weather  Bureau,  and  secret 
service.  The  post-office  occupies  the  first  floor  and  the  courts  the 
third.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  by  four  boilers,  which  also  furnish 
power  for  the  pumps  operating  the  three  hydraulic  elevators — one 
passenger,  one  freight,  and  one  ash  lift. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  25,  1882,  August  7,  1882,  March  3,  1883,  March  3, 
1885,  May  3,  1886,  August  4,  1886,  March  3,  1887,  March  30,  1888, 
October  2,  1888  (heating  and  elevators),  March  2,  18S9,  and  March  3, 
1891  (mailing  entrance,  shelving,  etc.).  The  acts  subsequent  to  that  of 
March  3,  1N87,  carried  with  them  appropriations  in  ezcessof  the  limit 
of  cost  fixed  May  3,  L886. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  1891,  and  June  3o.  lx'.t'.t.  the  inter- 
nal-revenue and  postal  receipts  were  $l,o31.oxi.ls  !Uid  $334,<>3o.  11 
and  $2,249,591.55  and  $425,319.35,  respectively.  In  185*0  the  popula- 
tion of  the  city  was  133,85*0,  and  in  L900  it  was  162,608. 


430 


HISTOKY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


431 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC..  SYRACUSE.  X.  V. 

This  building  is  located  on  :i  lot  fronting  south  132  feet  on  Fayette 
street,  east  lot)  feet  on  Warren  street,  and  west  100  feet  on  Hank 
alley.    It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Snow  Building. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  June  18,  1883,  for  the  sum  of 
$70,000.  The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
June  4,  1N!S4,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  March  4.  L889,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  £33o,7'.t3.4'.i.  The  wall-  are  of  Onondaga 
limestone  from  the  Indian  reservation  near  Syracuse. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  May  'Jo.  18X2.  authorized  this  building 
and  it  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  7.  1nm\  March  3.  \ss:), 
July  7,  1884,  March  3,  1885,  August  4.  ISN(>,  March  3o.  l*ss.  March 
2,  1889  (elevator),  August  30,  L890  (vaults,  etc.).  and  August  23,  1894 
(outstanding  liabilities). 

The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  87!*.o!t!»  feet,  and  has  twenty- 
five  rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
internal-revenue,  and  customs  service-  and  the  I'nited  States  courts. 
It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  provided  with  an  elevator  operated  by 
hydraulic  pressure. 

In  1889  the  postal  receipts  were  £l5t>.<59»).  1»>.  and  during  the  year 
ended  June  30,  189!*,  they  were  &255.t!54.78.  Between  the  same 
periods  the  internal-revenue  receipts  increased  from  ^l.o7o,«>22.,.*o  to 
$2,800,146.55.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  88,143.  and  in 
1900  it  was  L08,374. 


432 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-House,  etc.,  Tkoy,  N.  Y. 


HISTORY  <>K  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


433 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC.,  TRiiY.  N.  V. 

This  building  fronts  south  on  Broadway, and  La  bounded  on  the  east 
by  William  street  and  on  the  west  by  Fourth  street.  The  site  was 
secured  by  purchase  in  dune  and  September,  1886,  for  the  sum  of 
$99,000,  and  has  a  south  frontage  of  130  feel  11  inches  and  an  east  and 
west  frontage  each  of  150  feet  4  indies.  The  building  was  commenced 
under  a  contract  awarded  September  2»'».  lM»o.  for  the  excavation, 
concrete  foundations,  and  masonry  of  basement  and  an  a  wall-,  and 
was  completed  in  the  summer  of  L895,  the  post-office  portion,  how- 
ever, being  occupied  in  April.  1M»4.  The  cost  of  const  ruction  was 
$421. OKI. 2o.    The  stone  used  in  the  exterior  walls  is  granite. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  14.  lssr»,  March  1885,  February  25,  1887, 
March:},  L887,  April  26,  1890  (fire  limit),  March  3,  L891,  August  5, 
1892,  March  3,  IKH3,  March  2.  L895  (vol.  28,  p.  »+7>.  and  March  2. 
1895  (vol.  28,  p.  913). 

The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  1,119,908  feet,  and  is  heated  by 
steam.    The  basement  and  first  floor  are  occupied  by  the  post-office. 

The  postal  receipts  have  increased   from  9116,171.34   in    L89  I  1 1  > 
$132,250. 28  during  the  year  ended  dune  Mo,  i,s«.t;».    In  L sun  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  60,956,  and  in  L900  it  was  60,651. 
12242— ol  28 


434 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  Bl'ILDINOS. 


435 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  UTICA,  N.  Y. 

This  building  fronts  northeast  on  Broad  street,  between  Franklin 
street  on  the  northwest  and  John  street  on  the  southeast.  The  site, 
which  has  a  frontage  of  llto  feet  on  Broad  street  and  is  Uo  feet  deep, 
was  secured  between  November  29,  L873,  and  April  LO,  L874,  by  con- 
demnation proceedings,  at  a  cost  of  $161,192.25.  The  building  was 
commenced  in  1*77.  and  completed  in  November,  L882.  It  \v;i-  occu- 
pied, however,  by  the  post-office  April  L,  1882,  and  other  offices 
April  26.  lss-2.    Tlie  cost  of  construction  was  $252,307.30. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  31,  t872,  March  :;.  L877,  dune  20,  1878,  March  3,  1879, 
June  16,  1880,  March  L881,  August  7.  1882,  duly  7.  1884  (vol.  .23, 
pp.  L96  and  237,  outstanding  liabilities),  and  March  :;.  lsss  (outstand- 
ing Liabilities). 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  630,300  feet.  It  i-  healed  by 
hot  water  and  by  open  fireplaces.  The  Dumber  of  room-  occupied  i- 
nineteen,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal- 
revenue  services,  and  the  United  States  court-. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipt-  amounted 

to  $121,851.72.     In  l.SNO  the  population  of  the  city  \va-       '."14.  and 

in  1900  it  was  56, :J»s:;. 

Prior  to  the  occupation  of  this  building  the  United  State-  courts 
occupied  room-  in  the  city  hall  under  the  terms  of  a  deed  or  lease 
executed  May  iv>.  ls>;>7.  the  authority  for  the  same  being  contained  in 
an  act  of  Congress  approved  September  So.  1S5<>.  These  room-  were 
reconvened  to  the  city  under  authority  of  an  act  of  August  L,  ls>s 


436 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF    I'I'BLIC  BUILDINGS. 


437 


POST-OFFICE.  WATERTOWX.  X.  V. 

This  building,  which  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act 
of  Congress  approved  October  1.  lss.s.  i-  located  on  a  plot  of  ground 
fronting  northeast  147  feet  2  inches  on  Arsenal  street,  and  about  250 
feet  deep.  The  land  wa-  secured  by  purchase  July  26,  L889,  for  the 
sum  of  (15,000. 

A  contract  was  awarded  October  l.">.  1890,  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  and  it  WB&  completed  and  occupied  April  L,  L892,  the  OOSl  of 
construction  being  &">'.». !»4"2.o7.     The  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of 

marble. 

.  It  contains  :i  cubic  space  of  17<». .">•>•;  feet,  and  is  occupied  almost 
entirely  by  the  postal  service.  The  building  W  provided  with  steam 
heat. 

In  lis!»2  the  postal  receipts  aggregated  about  $82,000,  and  during  the 
year  ended  dune  30,  l.sHD.  they  amounted  to  S44..'.4:'...V_\  In  l,sl»o  the 
population  of  the  city  was  L4,725,  and  in  L900  il  wae  21,696. 


438  HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  ok  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


439 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  ASHEVILLE,  N.  C. 

The  court-hoiuse  and  post-office  at  Asheville,  N.  ('..  is  located  on 
the  northwest  corner  of  Patton  avenue  and  Haywood  street,  on  a  tri- 
angular plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  south  ^->'>  feet  4  inches  by  the 
former,  on  the.  oast  14H  feet  1  inch  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  northwest 
262  feet  !>  inches  by  Government  street. 

The  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  Con- 
gress approved  May  I'.',  lss.s.  The  site  wa-  donated  to  the  I'nited 
States  August  8,  L889,  and  the  structure  was  commenced  under  a  con- 
tract awarded  April  24.  lst>0.  It  was  occupied  in  May.  1892,  and 
finally  completed  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year.  The  cost  of  coustruo- 
tion  was  ijWH.ii."*;").  V>.  The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  884,85 1 
feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal 
revenue  services  and  I'nited  State-  court-,  twenty-one  rooms  being 
assigned  to  the  same. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  tlie  internal  revenue 
and  postal  receipts  amounted  to  $1,44N,2!»3. 7*5  and  *r.».7t!2. 7<».  respec- 
tively. The  corresponding  figures  for  the  year  ended  June  80,  L899, 
were  &2.i>24..->4<>.82  and  $2!).<>2t!.!t2.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city 
was  111.23.").  and  in  titoo  it  was  14.t')lt4. 


440 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  M'lLLHNO-. 


441 


ASSAY  OFFICE.  CHAKLOTTE.  N.  C. 

The  establishment  of  a  branch  mint  at  Charlotte.  N.  (  '..  was  author- 
ized by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3.  1n3.">.  On  the  i'.">th  of 
November  in  that  year  the  Government  purchased  for  *l,5oo  n  plot 
of  ground  bounded  on  the  southwest  about  Moo  feet  by  West  Fourth 
street,  on  the  southeast  about  3s7  feet  by  .Mint  street,  and  on  the  north- 
east about  33n'  feet  by  West  Trade  street. 

A  building  was  constructed  cm  the  site  and  in  ls44  it  was  destroyed 
by  file.  The  legislation  on  account  of  this  old  building  WHS  approved 
March  3,  1835,  March  ?>.  1N37,  April  <>,  ls::>.  August  s.  ls+o.  and 
June  17.  1*44. 

The  present  buildin»  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  March  3,  L845,  and 
was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $31,572.97  and  occupied  in  1  >4»».  The  exte- 
rior walls  are  of  brick  and  granite,  covered  with  stucco.  It  fronts 
northeast  on  West  Trade  street  and  is  separated  by  about  •">"  feet 
from  the  court-house  and  post -office  which  is  Located  at  the  corner  of 
Mint  and  West  Trade  streets. 

Appropriations  for  this  building  and  it-  machinery  were  made  by 
acts  of  Congress  approved  March  :;.  \^\:>.  March  S,  L855,  Jurj  20, 
1868,  and  March  3S  1869. 

The  building  was  used  for  coinage  purposes  up  to  May  20,  L861, 
since  which  time  it  has  been  used  as  an  assay  office.  In  ls4t'>  the  coin- 
age business  amounted  to *7'>. '.•'.•.">.  In  1899  the  assay  business  expressed 
in  coinage  values  amounted  to  $278,500.25.  During  the  civil  war  the 
building  was  used  as  a  Confederate  headquarters. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  8,  1895,  authorized  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Treasury  to  «jrant  to  the  city  the  privilege  of  using  part 
of  this  land  as  a  public  park,  and  the  city  now  occupies  as  such  a  por- 
tion of  the  lot  on  the  cornel- of  Mint  and  West  Fourth  streets,  fronting 
about  209  feet  on  the  former  and  aboul  200  feet  on  the  latter,  having 
laid  oil  the  same  witli  walks  and  constructed  a  fountain  in  the  center  and 
a  pavilion  in  its  rear. 

In  1S4»'>  the  population  of  the  city  wa>  about  2.000,  and  in  1900  it 
was  L8.091. 


442 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

I 


HISTOKY   OF  I'l'BLIC  BUILDINGS. 


443 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  CHARLOTTE.  X.  C. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  wot  corner  of  West  Trade  and  Mint 
streets.  The  main  front  is  on  the  former,  there  being  ;i  public  entrance 
also  from  Mint  -i reet. 

The  land  upon  which  it  is  located  is ;i  part  of  that  purchased  Novem- 
ber 2'k  1s8;>,  in  connection  with  the  establishment  of  the  assay  office. 
A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  October  15, 
1889,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  L891.  It- 
cubic  contents  are  441,288  feet,  and  it  i-  supplied  with  steam  beat. 
Besides  the  first  floor,  which  i-  used  entirely  by  the  post-office,  fifteen 
rooms  are  assigned,  they  being  occupied  principally  by  the  postal 
service,  Weather  Bureau,  and  United  State-  court-. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  August  18,  L888,  October'2,  L888,  and  September 
80,  Is! mi. 

When  the  building  was  firsl  occupied  the  annual  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  about  $22,000,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  80,  L899, 
they  were  $39,317.40.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  LI, 557, 
and  in  L900  it  was  L8,091. 


444 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


445 


COURT-HOrSE.  POST-OFFICE.  FTC.  (iREENSBOflO,  N.  C. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  is  located  on 
the  southeast  corner  of  Kast  .Market  and  South  Klin  streets,  OD  a  plot 
of  yround  fronting  north  feet  on  the  former  and  west  feet 
on  the  latter.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  May  1.  L883,  for 
$13,0  »>. 

Building  operations  were  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
March  28,  1  SS.~».  and  the  structure  \\a-  completed  and  occupied  about 

March  L,  L887,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $5  2,688. 23.  The  build- 
ing was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  -2.">.  L882,  and 
appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  7.  L882,  March  :;.  lss:;.  March 
:i,  1SS;*).  and  duly  2»>.  lsst'..  It  is  constructed  of  brick,  and  contains  a 
cubic  space  of  2NN,»>;>Jt  feet.  It  is  heated  by  hot  water  and  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  service  and  United  States  courts. 

The  postal  receipts  during  the  first  year  of  the  occupancy  of  the 
building  were  $8,369.10,  and  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1899,  they 
were  ^2ti.(»r>ti.21 .  In  lSlttt  the  population  of  the  city  was  :-5..;i7  and  in 
1900  it  was  L0,035. 


446 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Court-House  and  Custom-House,  Newbern,  N.  C. 


HISTORY   (>F   PI/BLIC  BUILDINGS. 


4-47 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE  AND  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  NEWBERN,  N.  C. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 
2.  L889,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  80,  L890,  and  .March:;. 
1891.  ruder  date  of  August  14.  1891,  the  site  was  secured  by  pur- 
chase for  $6,000,  it  being  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  (  raven 
and  Pollock  street-,  with  a  frontage  of  120  feel  east  on  the  former,  and 
108  feet  1<»  inches  south  on  the  latter.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the 
building  was  awarded  .March  L,  1895,  and  the  -tincture  W&a  c  ompleted 
and  occupied  April  L,  IM'7.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $68,746.60. 

It  rests  on 'a  pile  foundation,  with  concrete  tilling.  The  basement 
wall-  are  of  a  local  brown  sandstone  from  the  quarries  of  the  Aldrich 
Stone  Company,  with  steps,  doorsills,  etc.,  of  hard  limestone.  From 
the  water  table  to  the  second-story  window  sill  course  the  trails  are 
of  red  pressed  brick,  and  above  this  line  of  hurt  brick  with  red  brick 
trimmings.  The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  298,422  feet.  The 
basement  is  occupied  by  the  steam-heating  plant  (operated  by  one 
boiler),  carriers'  swine-  room,  storage  room.  etc.    ( )n  the  ti i-^t  floor  is 

located  the  DQSt-ofBce,  and  on  the  second  anil  third  floors  tin*  United 
Slates  courts  and  the  customs  and  internal-revenue  services,  the  court 
room  being  located  at  the  noith  end  of  the  second  story  extending  full 
widt  hot'  I  he  building. 

In  L897  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  £n.2s.ri. !»."».  and  during 

the  year  ended  June  80.  lNH'.t,  they  were  Sp ),:;  1.",.  7:;.  In  l.suo  the  pop- 
ulation of  the  city  was  T,S4:'..  and  in  1900  it  was  9,090. 


448 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


BI8T0BY  OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


44'.) 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  HALEIGH,  \.  C. 

The  court-house  and  post-office  at  Raleigh,  X.  C.  is  located  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Fayettcvillo  and  Martin  streets  on  a  plot  of  ground 
hounded  on  the  east  125  feet  by  the  former,  on  the  north  2l<>  feet  by 
the  latter,  and  on  the  west  12">  feet  by  Salisbury  street.  At  the  rear 
of  the  building  there  is  a  erass  plot  fronting  about  L05  feel  on  Martin 
street  and  extending  back  alone-  Salisbury  street  the  full  depth  of 
the  lot. 

The  first  appropriation  on  account  of  the  building  was  uncle  by  an 
act  of  Congress  approv  ed  March  :!.  IS57.  out  of  which  a  portion  of  the 
land  was  purchased  January  1">.  L861,  for  the  mud  of  *7.7<»<».  the  '>al- 
tance  in  L864  being  transferred  to  the  surplus  fund.  December 
1873,  the  city  <>f  Raleigh  donated  to  the  lTnited  States  an  adjoining 
strip  of  ground  fronting  2<»  feet  on  Favetteville  street  and  210  feet 
dee]). 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  early  part  of  1874  and 

the  structure  was  completed  in  1879,  the  COSt  of  construction  being 
1341,496.87.  The  first  and  second  floors,  however,  were  occupied  in 
1878,  and  the  other  doors  during  the  following  year.  The  building  is 
constructed  of  granite  from  quarries  at  Goldsboro,  N.  ('..and  contains 

a  space  of  590,700  cubic  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam,  supplied  from 
one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  tin'  postal  and  internal-reve- 
nue services  and  the  Tinted  States  courts. 

In  addition  to  the  act  above  referred  to.  legislation  on  account  of 
the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of  dune  L0,  1^72.  March  3,  1873,  June 
33,  L874,  March.0.,  1875,  July  81,  LS7H,  March  .!.  1S77,  December  If.. 
1*77,  dune  20,  1878,  March  8,  ls7'.»,  and  March  2.  lssl  (extra  for 
stone  furnished). 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  internal  revenue  and  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  £2,2!»t'>.47ti.i»:t  and  £°>S,HS0.08,  respectively.  In 
1S7<>  the  population  of  the  city  was  7.7'.hi  :lnd  in  1900  it  was  L3,648. 

L  2242— 01  29 


450 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


451 


POST-OFFICE, COURT-HOUSE  AND  (TSTOM-HOUSE.  RE1DSVILLE.  N.C. 

This  >>iiilcliiitjr  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Janu- 
ary ^.  ls!»l.  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  3,  1891.  Feb- 
ruary 4.  L892,  the  site  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of  !*3.*>oo.  fronting 
east  loo  feet  on  Scales  street  and  south  90  feet  on  Morehead  street, 
and  on  May  2it.  L893,  an  additional  strip  with  a  10-foot  frontage  on 
Morehead  street,  and  full  depth  was  purchased  for  $100. 

The  construction  of  the  building,  which  front-  south  on  Morehead 
street,  was  commenced  under  a  contract  aw  arded  April  26,  1893,  and  it 
was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  early  part  of  L894,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  920,935.89. 

It  is  of  red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  contains  a  space  of  7<».4^o 
cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  open  grates.  The  Hist  floor  is  occupied 
by  the  postal  service,  and  the  second  by  the  internal-revenue  service 
and  United  States  commissioner. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  lMtlt,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  *.">.»  loo.  v.  t.  In  1MMI  the  population  of  Keidsville  was 
2,969,  and  in  L900  it  was  3,262. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUELDING8. 


453 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  STATUS  V I LLK.  N.C. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  8,  L888,  authorized  tin-  build- 
ing, and  it  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  October  2,  1 and  July  "J'.'. 
1892  (heating  apparatus),  ruder  date  of  March  4.  L889,  the  rite  was 
.secured  by  purchase  t'<>r  the  sum  of  $4,000,  it  being  bounded  on  the 
SOUth  100  feet  by  Front  street,  and  on  the  west  L40  feet  by  Main  Street. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  wa-  awarded  June 
1890,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  March.  1891, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  ^T^.'.'Ti'.i'T.  It  is  constructed  of  red 
brick,  with  terra-cotta  and  brownstone  trimmings,  and  contains  a 
space  of  349,842  cubic  feet.  The  first  floor  is  assigned  t<>  tin  postal 
service,  and  the  second  and  third  principally  t<>  the  United  States 
courts. 

Since  the  building  was  first  occupied,  the  postal  receipt-  have 
increased  from  about  sti.ooo  per  annum,  to  £7.M'7.»is  during  the  year 
ended  June  30,  1899.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  2,818, 
and  in  1900  it  was  3,141. 


454 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


CusTOM-Hot'SE,  ETC.,  WILMINGTON,  N.  C. 


HISTORY   <>F   IT  HLK '  BUILDINGS. 


4.-).-) 


(TSiUM-HOl'SE,  ETC.  WILMINGTON.  N.  C. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  east  side  of  North  Water  street, 
between  Princess  street  on  the  north  and  Market  street  on  the  south, 
facing  the  Cape  Fear  River,  which  is  about  50  feet  west  of  Water  street. 
It  was  constructed  between  1*44  and  1846,  at  a  cost  of  about  $40,000. 

On  April  16.  L819,  the  lot  on  which  this  building  stand-  was  pur- 
chased, with  a  custom-house  building  located  thereon,  for  *14.  

the  funds  having  been  transferred  from  the  appropriation:  '"Custom- 
houses and  public  warehouses."  The  building  was  destroyed  by  tire 
January  17.  1840. 

The  appropriations  for  the  present  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  1843,  .June  17.  1*44.  August  10,  L846, 
and  August  12.  Is4*  (furniture,  etc.). 

Hounding  the  Government  property  between  Water.  Princess,  and 
Market  streets  are  three  alleys — Ewings,  Smith,  and  Grabies  alleys 
running  at  right  angles  to  Water  street,  and  Wright  alley  running 
parallel  thereto.  Smith  alley  is  immediately  south  of  the  custom- 
house and  is  shown  in  part  in  the  accompanying  illustration. 

The  act  of  .June  1 7.  1*44.  above  referred  to,  also  provided  for  the  pur- 
chase of  additional  ground,  and  accordingly  a  lot  at  the  rear,  extending 
northerly  along  the  west  side  of  Wright  alley,  from  Smith  alley  on  the 
south  to  Ewings  alley  on  the  north,  with  a  two-story  brick  building 
thereon,  was  purchased  November  17, 1845,  for  $1,000.  This  purchase, 
with  that  of  1819,  secured  an  L-shaped  piece  of  ground  fronting  west 
about  39  feet  on  Water  street,  extending  east  along  the  north  side  of 
Smith  alley  loo  feet  ">  inches,  thence  north  along  Wright  alley  about  78 
feet  to  Ewings  alley,  on  which  it  has  a  frontage  of  about  "J'.'  feet.  They 
also  secured  to  the  United  States  the  right  to  the  free  use  at  all  times 
of  all  the  wharf  property  on  the  west  side  of  Water  street,  between 
the  lines  of  Ewings  alley  on  the  north  and  Smith  alley  on  the  south. 

About  LH75  there  was  constructed  at  the  southeast  corner  of  the  lot 
at  the  intersection  of  Smith  and  Wright  alley-  a  -mall  two-story  brick 
structure  for  use  as  wood  house  and  toilet. 

Under  authority  of  an  act  of  February  20,  L885,  additional  property 
was  purchased  December  14.  1885,  for  $25,000  for  use  of  the  revenue 

cutter  and  other  branches  of  the  customs  service.  This  purchase  con- 
sisted of  the  two-story  brick  building  shown  in  part  at  the  right  of  the 
CUStom-house  in  the  accompanying  illustration,  which  is  on  a  plot  of 
ground  fronting  30  feet  6  inches  on  Water  street  and  extending  back  99 
Feel  8  inches  between  Smith  alley  on  the  north  and  Grabies  alley  on  the 
south:  and  two  pieces  of  water-front  property  between  Water  street 
and  the  river,  one  extending  south  from  the  south  line  of  Princess 
street, about  I'M  feet  to  the  line  of  Ewings  alley  and  the  other  extend- 
ing south  from  the  line  of  Smith  alley  about  (is  feet  toward  Market 
street,  thus  giving  the  United  States  the  free  use  of  about  265  feet  of 
continuous  water  front. 

The  cubic  contents  of  this  custom-house  are  L20,000  feet.  It  is 
heated  by  stoves  and  grate-  and  is  occupied  almost  exclusively  by  the 
cu-toms  service.  From  the  time  of  its  construction  until  August, 
1*74,  it  was  occupied  also  by  the  post-office,  after  which  that  office 
was  moved  to  a  rented  building.  The  brick  warehouses  at  the  rear 
and  at  the  south  of  the  custom-house  are  used  for  storage  purposes. 

The  population  of  Wilmington  has  increased  from  about  5,800  in 
ls42  to  20,976  in  1900. 


Post-Office,  Custom-House,  etc.,  Wilmington,  N.  ('. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC   BUILDINGS.  457 


POST-OFFICE.  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  FTC.  WILMINGTON,  N.  C. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Front  and  Chest- 
nut streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  facing1  west  lii.">  feet  <>n  the  former 
and  extending  back  along  the  latter  330  feet  to  Second  street,  on  w  hich 
it  has  a  frontage  of  lt!5  feet. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  August  25,  L887,  for  the  Bum  of 
$40,000.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
December  14.  l!S!SS,  and  the  structure  wa8  completed  and  occupied 
in  L891,  the  cost  of  construction  being  £l.">»;..">i:;.:',i;.  The  walls  of 
the  superstructure  are  of  sandstone  from  quarries  located  at  Sand- 

ford,  N.  0. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  i-  contained  in  acts  of 

Congress  approved  February  4,  L887,  March  3,  L887,  and  October  2, 
1888. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  486,746  feet.  It  i-  heated  by 
hot-water  system.  The  number  of  room-  occupied  i-  twenty-four, 
they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  post-office,  court-.  United  State- 
engineers,  and  Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  l.SH'.t.  the  gro--  postal  receipts 
aggregated  139,971.69.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  •_'".".">';. 
and  in  L900  it  was  20,976 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


459 


POST-OFFICE  AND  COURT-HOUSE,  FARGO.  X,  DAK. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  <>t'  Con- 
gress approved  December  27.  1890,  and  March  3,  L801.  It  i>  located 
on  the  northwest  corner  of  First  avenue  and  Roberts  street,  on  a  plot 
of  ground  14o  feet  square,  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  former,  east 
by  the  latter,  and  on  the  west  by  an  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  l>y  purchase  April  14.  W.ej,  for  the  sum  of 
$4. ooo.  The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  Sep? 
tember  9,  1S!»:J>.  for  basement  walls,  etc..  and  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  March.  lv.»7.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $95,892.06. 

It  is  constructed  of  buff  brick,  with  Bedford  (Ind.)  lime-tone  and 
buff  tcrra-cotta  trimmings,  the  interior  being  finished  in  quartered 

white  oak.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  327,000  feet,  and  i-  heated  by 
steam.  Fourteen  rooms  are  occupied,  assigned  to  the  postal  and 
internal-revenue  services.  United  States  courts,  and  land  office. 

During  the  years  ended  March  31,  L897,  and  March  31,  1900,  the 
gross  postal  receipts  amounted  t<>  (33,306.10  and  941,177.03,  respec- 
tively. In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  .">.t'>t;4,  and  in  1900  it 
was  9,589. 


460 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOKY    <>F   ITHI.K'  KIILDINOS. 


461 


POST-OFFICE,  AKRON.  OHIO. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  January  26,  lsnl.  limited  the  cost  of 
thi.s  building  at  $75,000,  and  an  act  of  March  '■'>.  L891,  appropriated 
that  amount.  The  site  was  purchased  May  lo.  l  vt-J.  for  fclu.OOO,  and 
fronts  west  L19.56  feet  on  High  street,  north  L34.33  feet  on  Market 
street,  east  107.80  feet  on  Wheeler's  lane,  and  south  L32.10  feet  on 
adjoining  property.  The  construction  of  the  building  was  commenced 
under  a  contract  awarded  July  21,  L898,  and  it  was  completed  and 
occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  July,  L899,  the  total  cost  exclusive  of 
site  being  $64,820.44. 

It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  Bedford  (Ind.)  Limestone  base  and 
trimmings,  is  106  feet  4  indies  by  us  feet  in  plan,  and  has  I  contents 

of  383,728  cubic  t'eet.    The  post-offic  scupies  the  main  floor,  the 

principal  entrance  to  which  is  on  Market  street.  The  entrance  on 
High  street  leads  to  the  second  atory,  which  consists  of  a  gallery 

extending  alone-  the  north  and  west  sides,  a  railway  mail  clerks'  dor- 
mitory being  fitted  up  at  the  southwest  corner.  The  post-olh'ce  work- 
ing room  extends  the  full  height  of  the  building.  Steam  heat  is 
supplied  throughout. 

During  tl>e  year  ended  .June  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $122,022.1 1.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  27,601  and  in 
1900  it  was  42,728. 


462 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Canton,  Ohio. 


HISTORY  ()F   IM  BLIC  BUILDI><;-. 


4(33 


POST-OFFICE,  CANTON.  OHIO. 

The  post-office  at  Canton.  Ohio.  La  located  at  the  northwest  corner 
of  South  Cleveland  avenue  and  Kighth  street,  on  a  plot  of  ground 
bounded  on  the  east  1*5  feet  by  the  former,  south  2«>0  feet  bj  the 
latter,  and  on  the  west  95  feet  by  Dewalt  street.  The  land  was 
secured  by  purchase  dune  lu.  Ls;»l.  fur  the  sum  of  £22.200. 

Work  on  the  excavations  was  performed  under  ;i  contract  awarded 
September  30.  ls'.U.  and  the  building  was  occupied  February  18,  ls'.(4. 
Sonic  additional  work  in  completing  the  interior  finish,  however,  was 
subsequently  performed  under  an  appropriation  <>t'  August  33,  L894. 
The  cost  of  the  structure,  exclusive  of  site.  was  $82,655.42.  The  leg- 
islation on  account  of  this  building  as  originally  constructed  was 
approved  June  2,  L890,  August  30,  L890,  March  3,  L891,  and  August 
23,  1894. 

An  act  of  March  -i.  l<S!*!t,  authorized  the  construction  of  an  addition 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  post-office,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding 
$15,000,  and  this  amount  was  made  available  by  an  act  of  March  3. 
ls'.t'.t.  A  contract  for  the  work  was  awarded  October  L899.  Build- 
ing operations  were  suspended  until  the  following  spring,  and  the 

extension  was  completed  during  the  summer  of  L900.  It  La  one  story 
high  and  has  a  frontage  of  32  feet  at  west  end  of  main  structure,  and  i- 
44  feet  deep. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  7.. ">:!<>  feet.  It  i-  heated  by 
hot  air.  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services, 
United  States  circuit  judge,  and  pension  examiner.  The  first  door  is 
occupied  entirely  by  the  postal  service. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  years  ended  dune 
30,  L894  and  ls'.t'.t.  were  s;>o.;>in..->4  and  $65,548.36,  respectively.  The 
population  of  the  city  in  1890 was  26,189,  and  in  1900  it  was  30,667. 


464 


HISTORY    OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


History  of  piblic  biildinos. 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  CINCINNATI.  OHIO. 

This  building  is  situated  on  a  lot  about  1*0  by  4oo  feet.  Iiounded  on 
the  east  by  Main  street,  south  by  Fifth  street,  wot  by  Walnut  street, 
and  north  by  Patterson  alley,  the  main  facade  being  on  Fifth  street. 
The  ground  was  secured  on  November  *.  1*7:;.  by  condemnation,  at  a 
total  cost,  including  incidental  expenses,  of  $708,026.  Work  was 
commenced  in  1*74,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied 
May  L,  L885,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $5,088,382.35.  The  base- 
ment walls  are  of  red  granite,  and  those  of  the  superstructure  of  gray 
granite,  from  Fox  Island.  Maine. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  purchase  of  the  site  and  com- 
pletion of  the  building  were  approved  March  L2,  1*7:.'.  June  1".  Is7i\ 
March  3,  1*7::.  dune  23,  1*74.  March  3,  1875,  July  31,  1876,  March  :J>, 
1877,  April  30,  1*7*.  June  L878,  March  1879,  June  1*'..  1880, 
March  ::.  1**1.  August  7.  1882,  March  3,  1883,  May  I,  1884,  July  7. 
1**4.  and  August  5,  1892  (painting  and  decorating). 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  -pace  of  7,883,500  feet,  is  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  provided  with  two  passenger  and  three  freight  elevators. 
Ninety  rooms  are  occupied,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal,  customs, 
and  internal-revenue  services,  subtreasury,  United  States  circuit  and 
district  courts.  United  States  engineers,  pen-ion  examiners,  ami  civil 
service. 

The  following  is  a  comparative  statement  of  the  grosti  receipts  of 
offices  located  in  the  building:  Internal  revenue.  1885,  $8,737,148.51; 
1899,  $14,528,118.31;  customs,  isn:>,  sls:\.:,'S.\.:><>:  1  *'.•:>.  $612,959.89; 
post-office,  1885,  $517,606.86;  1899,  $1,251,668.20.  In  l**o  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  l'."..").  1  M'.t  and  in  1900  it  was  »2. 

In  1*.">1  the  Government  purchased  a  plot  of  ground  Fronting  north 

•100  feet  on  Fourth  street,  east  14'.»  feet  t!  inches  on  Vine  street, and 
south  100  feet  on  Burnet  street,  and  constructed  thereon  a  handsome 
and  substantial  building,  of  Greek  style  of  architecture,  known  as  the 
custom  house.  In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb- 
ruary 27,  1875),  the  property  was  sold  on  December  12,  1885,  to  the 
Cincinnati  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Merchant-*  Exchange  for  the 
sum  of  Spio.ooo.  The  structure  was  subsequently  torn  down  and 
there  now  stands  on  the  lot  the  hall  of  the  ('handier  of  Commerce. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  construction,  alteration-,  etc., 
of  the*  building,  were  approved  September  30,  1850,  March  .">.  1851, 
duly  iM.  1852,  March  :;.  1853,  August  4.  1*.">4.  August  18,  1856,  March 
3,  1*.*>7.  March  14,  l*t'>4.  and  April  7.  Im'i',.  the  total  amount  of  the 
same  being  $339,083.90. 

L2242— 01  30 


HISTORY    <>F   PI/HLIC  WILDINGS. 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  CLEVELAND,  OHIO. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  ls.V>.  authorized  the  construc- 
tion of  a  stone  building  at  Cleveland.  Ohio,  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  customs  and  postal  services  and  the  Tinted  States  courts,  limited 
the  dimensions  and  cost  of  the  same,  and  made  an  appropriation  there- 
for. An  act  of  May  !t.  1856,  extended  the  dimension-  and  limit  of  COSt, 
and  an  act  of  dune  12,  L858,  provided  for  the  approaches. 

The  site  was  purchased  April  '.».  1856,  at  a  cost  of  &io.iMM).  and  the 
construction  of  the  building  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $138,236.30. 
It  was  occupied  in  January,  1859. 

By  authority  of  an  act  of  April  4.  lsso,  the  construction  of  the  two 
wines  at  the  north  and  south  ends  of  the  building  WB6  commenced, 
and  continued,  together  with  certain  remodeling  of  the  main  portion, 
under  acts  of  August  7.  L882,  duly  7.  L884,  and  March  :\.  L885.  All 
this  work  was  completed  in  L8N5.  at  a  cost  of  *.">  17. '.'."> 

Acts  of  October  2,  lss.s.  illul  September  'MK  1M»o.  appropriated 
$30,000  for  repairs  to  the  building. 

The  site  is  200  feet  from  north  to  south  and  105  feet  from  east  to 
west,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Rockwell  street,  east  by  Case 
place,  south  by  Superior  street,  and  west  by  the  public  square. 

The  building  fronts  west  w  ith  public  entrances  also  at  the  north  and 
south  ends.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  ti.">4.*2oo  feet.  is  heated  bv 
both  steam  and  hot  water,  and  is  provided  with  elevator  service. 
Sixty-three  rooms  are  occupied,  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  the  United  State*  courts. 

The  gross  receipts  collected  in  the  building  during  the  year  ended 
June  30,  L899,  from  internal  revenue  were  $2,819,375.42;  postal  serv- 
ice, $839,389.89;  customs.  $659,483.36.  The  population  of  the  city 
in  lNtio  was  4.^.417  and  in  L900  it  was  381,768. 


HISTOBY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  COLl'MbTS.  OHIO. 

April  11.  1SW.  Congress  authorized  the  construction  of  a  building 
in  this  city  for  the  accommodation  of  the  circuit  and  district  courts, 
internal  revenue  and  pension  offices,  po8t-oftice.  and  other  (iovern- 
ment  uses,  limiting  the  cost,  and  making  appropriation  therefor. 

December  2<i.  L882.  the  site,  which  is  189  feet  square,  was  purchased 
for  the  sum  of  $58,500.  It  i-  hounded  on  the  north  by  State  street, 
west  by  Third  street,  south  by  ( 'Impel  alley,  and  east  by  Lazelle  alley. 

Subsequent  appropriations  for  the  building  were  approved  August  7. 
L884,  March  -J>.  1885,  August  4.  L886,  and  March  3,  L888,  the  last  t\\<> 
acts  being  for  approaches  and  elevators. 

A  contract  was  awarded  for  the  foundation-  November  14.  lvs;; 
The  first  story  was  occupied  by  the  post-office  October  I.  lss7.  and 
the  Other  Stories  were  completed  a  few  week-  thereafter,  the  COSl  of 

construction  being  $264,588.96. 

The  building,  which  i>  of  Berea  (Ohio)  sandstone  and  cover-  an  area 
of  about  184  by  7.*)  feet,  has  a  cubic  content-  of  793,954  feet.  It  is 
provided  with  steam  heat  and  elevator  service,  and  i-  occupied  prin- 
cipally by  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services,  and  the 
United  States  courts,  the  number  of  room-  assigned  being  twenty- 
three,  besides  the  first  floor,  w  hich  is  used  entirely  by  the  post-office. 

The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  gross  receipts  of  offices 
located  in  the  building:  Internal  revenue.  IV.tO,  WAST . 'I'll .  74:  Is'.''.1. 
$1,123,880.07;  customs.  L890,  $46,410;  L899,  $39,618;  postal,  1>S7. 
$1  Ho.44s.<tr):  isi»'.».  &W>.'M\  .(>->.  The  population  of  the  city  was 
51,047  in  1880,  in  1890,  88,150,  and  in  1900,  125,560. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDIM--. 


471 


rUST-UFFH'E.  DAYTON.  « ill  If  I. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acta  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  3,  L887;  September  30,  L890,  and  July  28, 
1892  (outstanding  liabilities). 

It  is  located  on  the  southwest  corner  <>t'  Fifth  and  Main  streets  on  a 
site  fronting  north  180  feet  on  the  former  and  east  120  feet  on  the  lat- 
ter.   This  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  January  1".  L888,  for  the 

sum  of  $42,000,  A  contract  for  the  basement  and  area  wall-  \\a- 
awarded  November  13,  L888,  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  dune  1.  [s\*2.  the  cost  of  construction  being $117,894.94. 

It  is  constructed  of  Berea  (Ohio)  -andstone.  Iia>  a  cubic  content-  of 
424.030  feet,  and  is  heated  by  -team  (indirect  radiation).  The  [lumber 
of  rooms  in  the  building  is  twelve,  they  being  occupied  mainly  by 
the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services,  pension  examiners,  and  civil- 
service  hoard. 

During  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied  the  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  $130,134.90,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  L899,  to 
$212,439.21.  In  lsuo  the  population  of  this  city  wa-  61,220,  and  in 
1!)00  it  was  S5,333. 


472 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Lima,  Ohio. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


473 


POST-OFFICE,  LIMA.  OfflO. 

The  post-office  building  at  Lima.  Ohio,  shown  in  the  accompanying 
illustration,  was  authorized  by  an  acl  of  Congress  approved  December 
24.  L890, and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  :;.  lv.'l.  The  site, 
which  was  secured  October  6,  1891,  by  purchase,  for  the  Bum  $10,000, 

fronts  north  102  feet  U  inches  on  High  street  and  east  120  feet  on 

Elizabeth  street. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  March  7. 
1894,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  October  l"'.  1895, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $47,332.33. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  and  has  a  cubic  contents  of 
2f><). 500  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  i-  occupied  by  the 
postal  service,  pension  examiners,  and  civil-service  board. 

During  tin'  year  ended  dune  30,  L899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  (32,064. 91.  In  LfS'.Mi  the  population  of  the  city  was 
L5.981,  and  in  1900  it  was  21,723. 


474 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINOS. 


475 


POST-OFFICE.  PORTSMOUTH,  OHIO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Chillicothe  and 
Fifth  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  hounded  on  the  west  by  the  former 
122  feet  1  inch,  on  the  south  by  the  latter  110  feet,  and  on  the  north 
by  Sixth  street  L10  feet.    Tin;  land  was  secured  by  purchase  July  Is. 

1889,  for  the  sum  of  £12,<»00. 

Jul}'  19,  1890,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ing, and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  October  I,  L892, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  *<>2.t>~2A2.  It  contains  a  cuhic  -pace 
of  187,510  feet. 

The  exterior  walls  are  of  sandstone,  from  Scioto  County,  Ohio,  with 
steps,  doorsills,  etc.,  of  granite.  The  building  is  provided  with  a 
steam-heating  apparatus  operated  by  two  boilers,  and  is  occupied 
principally  by  the  postal  service. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  11,  1888,  October  2,  1888,  February  18,  1891,  and 
October  23,  1894  (outstanding  liabilities). 

In  1892  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $17,000,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  to  $23,896.10.  The  population  of  the 
city  in  1890  was  12,394,  and  in  1900  it  was  17,870. 


470 


HISTCVRY  OF  PFBLTC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  8andusky,  Ohio. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


477 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  SANDUSKY,  OHIO. 

This  building  is  located  on  tlx-  southwest  corner  of  Market  Btreet 
and  Columbus  avenue  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  north  so  foet  <»n 
the  former  and  east  132  feet  on  the  latter. 

It  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  4, 
1854-.  and  August  L8,  1856.  The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  April 
22,  L856,  for  $11,000,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
in  the  following  year.  It  is  constructed  of  Berea  (Ohio)  sandstone, 
contains  a  space  of  115,300  cubic  feet,  and  cost  963,987.16  exclusive 
of  site.  There  are  eight  rooms  occupied,  they  being  assigned  to  the 
postal,  customs,  and  internal  revenue  Services,  and  the  Weather 
Bureau.    Steam  heat  is  supplied  from  one  boiler. 

In  1*71-72  alterations  and  repairs  were  made  at  a  cost  of  about 
$10,000,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  March  .'I.  1^71. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipt-  amounted 
to  £-J7,4.">7.:^!.  From  L870  to  L900  the  population  of  Sandusky  has 
increased  from  i:5,oou  to  l'.»,t'>»'>4. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


479 


POST-OFFICE.  SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO. 

The  building  .shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  i-  located  on 
the  northeast  corner  of  High  and  Spring  streets,  on  a  plot  (if  ground 
fronting  south  150  feet  on  the  former  and  west  130  feet  <>n  the  latter. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  December  -•>.  1885,  for  the  sum 
of  &1!»,500.  The  building  was  commenced  in  the  Bummer  of  L887  and 
was  completed  and  occupied  September  1,  L890,  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  ^124, •>•">'.».. V.i. 

It  is  constructed  of  limestone,  contains  a  cubic  spa<  e  of  327,600  feet, 
and  i.s  heated  by  a  hot-water  system  operated  by  one  boiler.  The 
entire  tirst  floor  and  a  portion  of  the  basement  i>  occupied  by  the  postal 
.service. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  art- of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  L885,  August  4.  1886,  and  March  30,  L888. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  1890,  and  dune  :J.o.  1900,  the  postal 
receipts  were  $73,695.04  and  $120,121.24,  respectively.  In  1890  the 
population  of  the  city  was  31,895,  and  in  L900  it  was  38,253. 


4  SO 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC   BUILDINGS.  481 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE,  TOLEDO.  OHIO. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  south  corner  of  St.  Clair  and  Madison 
.streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  northwest  238  feet  4  inches  mi 
the  former,  northeast  120  feet  on  the  latter,  and  bounded  on  the  south- 
east by  an  alley. 

A  contract  was  awarded  July  10,  1**2.  for  granite  for  basement  and 
area  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1888,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  >v>75.t;41. 17.  The  walls  of  the  superstruc- 
ture are  of  Berea  (Ohio)  sandstone. 

The  building  has  a  cubie  contents  of  s:>i.'.»+o  feet,  is  heated  by  steam, 
and  is  provided  with  elevator  service,  one  passenger  and  one  freight, 
both  operated  by  steam  power.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is 
twenty-seven,  most  of  which  are  assigned  to  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal  revenue  services,  and  the  United  States  courts. 

Under  authority  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  August, 4,  1854, 
August  18,  1856,  and  July  28,  1866,  a  portion  of  the  present  site  front- 
ing 12<>  feet  on  St.  Clair  street,  and  extending  back  along  Madison 
street,  was  purchased  April  22.  l^.">ti.  for  $12,000,  and  a  custom-house 
constructed  thereon.  An  act  of  June  1880,  authorized  the  pur- 
chase of  additional  land  and  the  erection  of  a  building  suitable  for 
the  I'nited  States  courts,  custom-house,  bonded  warehouse,  etc.,  and 
an  act  of  March  •'!.  1881,  authorized  the  -ale  and  removal  of  the  old 
building.  In  addition  to  these  two  acts,  appropriations  on  account  of 
the  present  structure  were  made  by  acts  of  A.UgU8l  7.  L882,  July  7. 
1884,  March  3,  1885,  August  4.  1886,  March  30,  1888,  and  October  2, 
1888  (elevator  and  mail  lift).  The  additional  land  was  .-('(aired  by  pur- 
chase March  '.t.  1881,  and  December  in.  L881,  at  a  cost  of  $53,250, 
making  the  total  cost  of  the  present  site  $65,250. 

Since  the  first  year  the  building  was  occupied,  the  internal-revenue 
and  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  SCmO.ooo  and  *ll."».ooo 
to  &1.77H.»5.S2. 11*  and  $300,725.78,  respectively,  during  the  year  ended 
June  30,  1899.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  81,434,  and  in 
1900  it  was  131,822. 

12242—01  31 


482  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


483 


POST-OFFICE,  MJNGSTOWN,  OHIO. 

This  building'  is  located  on  the  west  corner  of  Front  and  Market 
streets,  on  a  site  bounded  on  the  northeast  100  feet  by  the  former,  <>n 
the  southeast  130  feet  t>  inches  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  southwest  100 
feet  by  Emily  alley,  which  is  20  feet  wide. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  March  2<5,  ls'.'2.  for  *13.ooo.  The 
building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  September  2">. 
1896,  and  completed  and  occupied  .January  I,  1898,  the  0O8t  of  con- 
struction being  &5t;,;">25. 13. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  January  21,  1891,  March  3.  1891,  and  duly  1.  1898,  the  last 
providing  for  a  granolithic  sidewalk. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  185,202  feet.  It  is  heated 
by  steam  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services 
and  the  local  civil-service  board. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $51,699.31.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  33,220  and  in 
1900  it  was  44.NS5. 


484  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTOBY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


485 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  ETC..  ASTORIA.  OREG. 

The  custom-house,  etc.,  building  at  Astoria,  Oreg.,  is  located  in 
the  center  of  a  block  200  feet  square,  hounded  on  the  north  by  Bond 
street,  south  by  Commercial  street,  east  by  Eighth  street,  and  on  the 
west  by  Seventh  street.  The  public  entrances  arc  on  the  north  and 
west  sides,  that  on  the  former  opening  direct  into  the  post-office  lobby 
and  the  latter  to  the  stair  hall,  which  also  communicates  with  the 
Lobby. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  July  13,  L868,  for  $8,000.  The 
building  was  commenced  .June  14.  1N»W.  and  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied .January  25,  1873.  the  cost  of  construction  being  $t>7.1»s6.2N.  The 
walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of  sandstone,  quarried  near  Astoria. 

Legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved 
March  2,  L867,  duly  L5,  L870,  .March  3,  1*71.  and  May  L8,  L872.  The 
building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  123,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  hoi 
water  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services,  six  rooms 
being  assigned  to  the  same. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  bS'.t'.t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to $11,282.69.  When  this  building  was  constructed  the  population  of 
the  city  was  about  1,000;  in  L900  it  was  8,381. 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  March  '.'>.  1N51.  and  August  31,  1852, 
authorized  and  appropriated  for  a  custom-house  at  this  port.  The 
amount  appropriated  ($40,000)  was  covered  int<>  the  Burplus  fund  in 
L861.  A  site  was  purchased,  however,  on  March  -27.  1856,  for  $900, 
and  a  custom-house  constructed  thereon,  payment  for  the  same  being 
made  from  the  appropriation.  ••Collecting  the  revenue  from  customs. " 
This  ground  as  originally  purchased  measured  about  112  by  L50feet 
and  is  located  about  \k  miles  east  of  the  present  custom-house  in  what 
is  known  as  Upper  Astoria.  The  old  building  has  been  abandoned 
and  (1900)  IS  in  a  dilapidated  condition. 

A  controversy  arose  as  to  the  ownership  of  a  portion  of  thi^  land, 
and  the  United  States  entering  into  a  compromise  with  the  claimant 
secured,  by  deed  recorded  August  31,  I.s75.  a  clear  title  to  two-thirds 
of  the  same  measuring  75  by  150  feet. 


HISTOEY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


487 


CUST0.M-H01SE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  PORTLAND.  OREO. 

This  building  is  located  in  the  center  of  a  Mock  2<><i  feet  square, 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Morrison  street,  east  by  Fifth  street,  south 
by  Yamhill  street,  and  west  by  Sixth  street,  the  main  approach  being 
from  the  east.  The  land  was  purchased  September  "J.  lNoib  from  the 
city  of  Portland  for  the  sum  of  *l.">.ooo.  and  the  construction  of  the 
building  was  commenced  in  the  same  year.  It  was  completed  and 
occupied  October  1.  lfSTo,  the  cost  of  construction  being  20. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  a  sandstone  quarried  near  Astoria, 
Oreg.,  contains  a  space  of  l..V.t:-5,noO  cubic  feet,  and  is  heated  by  a 
low-pressure  steam  plant  operated  by  one  boiler.  The  first  and  sec- 
ond floors  are  occupied  respectively  by  the  post-office  and  United  States 
courts,  and  the  third  floor  by  the  customs  service,  railway  mail  clerks, 
post-office  inspectors,  and  pension  agent. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  <>f  Congress 
approved  duly  lstis.  March  ::.  lSii'.t.  duly  15,  L870,  March  3,  1871, 
March  8,  1873.  dune  28,  1874,  and  March  3,  L875. 

During  the  year  ended  June  3<>,  LSI*!*,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  *l!»o.lS!t.o(.t.  in  1*70  the  population  of  the  city  WU8 
8,293,  and  in  1900  it  was  90,426. 


488 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Allegheny,  Pa. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


489 


POST-OFFICE,  ALLEGHENY,  PA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  April  23.  ISHo.  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  a  post-office  building  at  Allegheny.  Pa.,  and  limited  the 
cost  of  site  and  building,  including  fireproof  vaults,  heating  and  ven- 
tilating apparatus,  elevators,  and  approaches  at  &250.<><iu.  Acts  of 
August  30,  L890,  and  March  3,  1891,  appropriated  $100,000  for  the 
purchase  of  land  and  the  commencement  of  building  operations. 
Proposals  for  the  site  were  obtained  in  October.  L890,  but  it  was 
found  upon  examination  that  a  suitable  piece«of  ground  could  not  be 
purchased  at  a  price  which  would  leave  a  sufficient  balance  remaining 
available  under  the  limit  of  cost  prescribed  by  Congress  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  suitable  building  thereon  for  the  needs  of  the  public  service, 
as  required  by  law.  An  additional  appropriation  of  K13.">.ooo  was 
made  by  an  act  of  August  .">.  1892,  for  the  purchase  of  site,  and  on 
April  13.  1  s!»3.  the  ground  was  secured  for  the  sum  of  $175,000. 
This  site  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Ohio  and  West  Diamond 
streets,  and  has  a  frontage  south  of  12o  feet  on  the  former  and  east 
151  feet  on  the  latter.  The  main  front  of  the  building  i-  on  Ohio 
street. 

The  limit  of  cost  of  site  and  building  was  finally,  by  an  act  approved 

March  3,  1893,  increased  to  fcvk^.ooo.  and  an  appropriation  of  $15,<  

made  on  account  of  the  work.  Working  drawing-  were  prepared 
and  a  contract  for  the  basement  and  area  walls,  first-floor  beams,  etc.. 
awarded  October  2'.K  1894.  On  February  .*>.  1896,  a  contract  un- 
entered into  for  the  masonry  of  the  superstructure,  roof,  and  cover- 
ing, etc..  and  on  December  28,  1896,  for  interior  finish,  the  building 
being  completed  and  occupied  in  January.  lM's.  The  cost  of  con 
struction  was  $226,408.83.  Additional  appropriations  in  the  aggre- 
gate sum  of  $175,000  were  made  by  act-  of  March  2,  1895,  dune  11. 
1896,  and  dune  4.  1897. 

The  ground  plan  of  the  building  is  HT  by  71  feet,  and  it  contain-  in 
all  a  space  of  409,628  cubic  feet,  inclosed  within  walls  of  Ilallowcll 
(Me.)  gray  granite,  and  iron  roof  covered  with  copper.  The  floors  of 
the  first  and  second  stories  are  framed  ill  iron,  the  former  with  brick 
arches  and  the  latter  with  terra-eotta  arches  of  end  construction.  All 
columns  are  also  protected  by  terra  cotta,  and  the  building  may  be 
considered  as  reasonably  fireproof.  The  finishing  wood  is  straight 
grained  maple,  with  bird's-eye  panels,  for  corridor  and  vestibules, 
East  India  mahogany  for  postmaster's  private  office  and  toilet  room, 
and  white  oak  for  all  other  portions  above  the  basement.  Over  the 
post-office  working  loom  is  a  cortile  extending  to  the  dome  and  lighted 
by  a  skylight  immediately  below  the  base  of  the  lantern.  Surround- 
ing this  cortile  at  the  second-floor  level  i-  an  open  gallery,  with  floor 
of  colored  marble  mosaic  tiling  similar  to  the  main  lobby  and  vesti- 
bules below.  Steam  heat  is  supplied  throughout  from  a  low-pressure 
apparat  us. 

During  the  year  ended  .June  3o,  ls'.W.  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $144,853.07.  In  lSi»o  the  population  of  Allegheny  was 
105,287,  and  in  1900  it  was  129,896. 


490 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Beavek  Falls,  Pa. 


HISTORY  OF  PI'ULIC  BUILDINGS. 


in 


POST-OFFICE,  BEAVER  FALLS.  PA. 

Phis  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  duly 

2,  1890,  ami  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  30,  1890,  and  March 

3,  1891.  It  is  located  on  a  site  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Thirteenth 
street  and  Seventh  avenue,  fronting  north  loo  feet  on  the  former  and 
east  llu  feet  on  the  latter.  The  ground  was  secured  November  30, 
1892,  for  the  sum  of  $11,000. 

On  September  '2,  L896,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  erection  of 
the  building,  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  October  L6,  L897,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  *>!*.t>77.23. 

In  the  accompanying  illustration  the  Seventh  avenue  front  is  shown. 
The  entrance  on  this  side  leads  into  the  public  lobby  which  extends 
from  the  south  end  and  return.-  along  Thirteenth  street  to  a  stair  hall 
in  the  northwest  corner.  This  stair  hall  i-  also  approached  direct 
from  the  outside  by  an  entrance  on  Thirteenth  street. 

The  Cubic  Contents  of  the  building  are  167,230  feet.  It  i-  heated  by 
steam,  and  is  occupied  throughout  by  the  postal  service. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-office  during  the  fiscal  year  L898— 99 
were  $lf>.:J»l)2. I'-'-  In  IS!'<>  the  population  of  the  borough  was  '.t.7:'..">. 
and  in  L900  it  was  10,054. 


492 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


493 


POST-OFFICE.  CHESTER.  FA. 

This  building,  w  hich  is  constructed  of  light  mottled  brick,  is  located 
on  the  northwest  corner  of  Fifth  and  Welsh  streets  on  a  plot  of 
ground  fronting  south  feet  on  the  former  and  east  113  feet  on  the 
latter.    It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  a  l.Vfoot  alley. 

The  ground  wa>  secured  by  purchase  February  ls'.ej.  for  $15,000. 
A  contract  was  awarded  dune  12,  1893,  for  trench  excavations  and 
basement  and  area  w  alls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied 
Novem'ber  23.  l  *•><.»•;.  the  cost  of  construction  being $64,599.90. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  May  KJ.  1890,  August  30,  L890,  and  March  3.  L891. 
It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  ls'.U  »4'.»  feet,  is  heated  by  steam  and  hot 

air.  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal,  internal-revenue,  and  customs 

services. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  80,  1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  S30,S59.25.  Ill  lsmi  the  population  of  the  city  was  20,226,  and  in 
L900  it  was  33,988. 


494 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-Hocse,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Erie,  Pa. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


4  Do 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  ERIK.  PA. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  corner  of  State  street  and  Central 
Park  on  a  site  fronting  west  123  feet  on  the  former,  and  north  165 
feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  \va>  secured  by  purchase  dune  7.  1**3.  for  *3ti.ooo.  If 
was  broken  in  April,  L885,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  the  latter  part  of  lss7.  the  cost  of  construction  being 
1223,759.35. 

The  walls  of  the  basement  are  of  granite,  and  of  the  superstructure 
sandstone.  The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  667,500  feet;  i-  pro- 
vided with  steam  heat  supplied  by  the  Home  Heating  Company,  and  is 
equipped  with  an  electric  passenger  elevator.  Besides  the  first  floor, 
which  is  used  entirely  by  the  post-office,  the  number  of  rooms  occupied 
is  twenty-eight,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal,  cus- 
toms, internal-revenue,  and  marine-hospital  services,  United  States 
courts,  United  States  engineers,  pension  examiners,  and  Weather 

Bureau. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  June  27,  L882,  February  17.  l*^:>.  August  4.  1**»>.  March 
3,  1**7.  and  August  5.  l*'.fJ  (elevator). 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $*4.241.  pi.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  4o.t;:;4 
and  in  1!H>(>  it  was  f>L\733. 


496 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  Erie,  Pa. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


497 


ITSTOM-HOUSE.  ERIK.  PA. 

This  building  is  located  <>n  the  east  side  of  State  street,  about  mid- 
way between  Fourth  and  Fifth  streets.  It  was  roust ructed  in  LS36-37 
by  the  United  States  Hank  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  purchased  by  the 
United  States,  February  1 1.  L850,  for  the  sum  of  129,000,  the  author- 
ity for  the  purchase  being  contained  in  an  act  of  Congress  approved 
March  3,  L849. 

The  lot  has  a  frontage  of  70  feet  on  State  street,  and  is  L25  feet  deep. 
The  building  is  of  marble,  50  by  To  feet  in  plan,  and  is  used  by  the  cus- 
toms service.    It  was  occupied  by  the  post-office  from  L853  t<>  L867. 

12242—01  32 


498 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  Pl'BLIC  BUILDINGS. 


i<)<> 


POST-OFFICE.  FTC..  HAKKISbThMi.  I'A. 

This  building  is  located  in  the  center  of  the  Mock  bounded  on  the 
northwest  L96  feet  5  inches  by  Locust  street,  northeast  132  feel  6 
inches  by  Third  street,  southeast  IW  feet  by  Walnut  street,  and  on 
the  southwest  163  feet  one-half  inch  by  Court  a\enuc.  the  principal 
approach  being  from  Walnut  street. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  .May  2»!  and  Octoher  s.  Is77.  for 
the  sum  of  $10!*.7<>n.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  ls7s. 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  May  10,  L882,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  ^2!«).(>5<!.44. 

Legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved 
March  3,  L875,  August  to,  1876,  March  3,  1S77.  dune  20,  1*78,  March 
3,  1879,  June  16,  1880,  and  March  3,  18S1. 

The  building  19  constructed  of  granite  and  ha>  a  cubic  content-  of 
4!H),0<)0  feet.  It  is  heated  by  a  hot-water  apparatus,  and  is  occupied 
principally  by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services,  pen-ion  office, 
bureau  of  steam  engineering.  United  States  Navy.  Weather  Bureau, 
and  civil  service,  the  number  of  room-  assigned  being  twenty-five. 

The  receipts  from  internal  revenues  have  increased  from  *4  2. '.'*.">.:>.'-'> 
during  the  year  ended  June  30,  1883,  to  $316,826.54  during  the  fiscal 
year  1898-99,  and  during  the  same  interval  the  postal  receipts  have 
increased  from  $74,08!). 53  to  $134,018.22.  The  population  of  the  city 
in  1880  was  30,762,  and  in  1900  it  was  .">".167. 


500 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Lancaster,  Pa. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


501 


POST-OFFICE.  LANCASTER,  PA. 

The  post-office  building  at  Lancaster,  Pa.,  WUB  authorized  by  an  act 
of  Congress  approved  May  it,  lsss.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase 
Octolter  lt'».  ISSN,  for  the  -urn  of  *l.">.ooo.  It  i>  on  the  southwest  cor- 
ner  of  North  Duke  and  Marion  streets,  being  hounded  on  the  east  11*> 
feet  by  the  former,  which  is  »il  feet  wide,  and  on  the  north  140  feel 
by  the  latter,  which  is  14  feet  wide. 

The  building*  was  commenced  under  a  contract  aVarded  November 
11,  LS1HJ,  and  was  completed  and  occupied  September  1.  L892,  the  COSt 
of  construction  being  #S4.013.24.  It  is  inclosed  by  walls  of  Indiana 
limestone,  is  It"  by  4f>  feet  in  plan,  and  has  a  cubic  content-  of  255,726 
feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  (indirect  radiation),  and  is  occupied  by  the 
postal  and  internal-revenue  service-. 

In  L892  the  internal-revenue  collection-  were  (2,318,510,  and  in  1899 
they  were  &'-5.37<'.S!)3.  The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  same 
periods  were  about  &5:2.ooo  and  £7-JJ'uo  respectively.  The  population 
of  the  city  in  lMlto  was  Jtt.uil,  and  in  U»U0  it  was  41.4.')'.'. 


502 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


history  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


503 


APPRAISERS'  STORKS.  PHILADELPHIA.  PA. 

This  building  fronts  cast  on  Second  street,  between  Walnut  and 
Chestnut  streets,  and  is  hounded  on  the  north  by  Lodge  Btreet,  west 
by  Kxchange  and  Dock  street-,  and  on  the  south  by  <  rold  9i  reet.  The 
ground  has  a  frontage  of  s*j  feet  on  Second  street,  and  about  300  feel 
on  Lodge  and  2ii.">  feet  on  Gold  streets. 

I'ndcr  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  A.ugus1  Is. 
185<>.  this  land,  with  a  building  thereon,  was  purchased  from  the  Hank 
of  Pennsylvania  duly  1">.  L857,  for  use  as  a  post-office,  the  purchase 
price  being  tf^oO.OOO.  Appropriations  were  made  by  acts  of  August 
18,  1856,  and  March  3,  ls.">7.  with  a  view  to  adapting  the  building  to 
the  needs  of  the  post-office,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  much  work 
was  performed  in  this  direction,  most  of  the  funds  being  transferred 
in  1802  and  INtiM  to  the  fund  for  the  ••Court  house  and  post-office, 
Philadelphia."  then  in  course  of  construction  near  the  custom-house. 
This  old  building  was  subsequently  removed  and  the  present  building 
constructed,  it  being  completed  and  occupied  July  L3,  L8TL 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Julj  28, 
186*5,  March  -J.  1867,  duly  20,  L868,  duly  25,  lsr.s,  March  8,  1869, 
April  l><>,  ls7<>,  duly  i:>.  ls7«>.  March  8,  1871,  and  May  Is.  L872  (addi- 
tional machinery).  An  act  of  March  .'J>.  L871,  provides  that  the  build- 
ing shall  be  used  also  as  a  bonded  warehouse.  The  cost  of  construc- 
tion was  $379,675.04. 

It  is  constructed  of  brick,  has  a  cubic  contents  of  L, 444,000  feet, 
and  is  occupied  almost  entirely  by  the  customs  service.  Steam  heat 
is  supplied  by  three  boilers,  which  also  furnish  power  for  the  opera- 
tion of  four  freight  elevators. 

From  August  13.  1S74,  to  August  12.  I.s7.">.  22,672  packages  were 
received  at  these  stores  for  appraisement,  and  between  the  same  dates 
in  1898  and  1899  the  number  amounted  to  ''»7. 1  »'>.">. 


504 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


505 


CUSTOM-HOUSE.  ETC..  PHILADELPHIA.  PA. 

This  building  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  Chestnut  street,  between 
Fourth  and  Fifth,  extending  hack  to  Library  street.  The  >iic  baa  a 
frontage  of  150  feet  4  inches  on  the  former  and  157  feet  7  inches  on 
the  latter.  On  Chestnut  street  the  lot  adjoins  the  Drexel  Building  on 
the  west  and  the  Western  Bank  Building  on  the  east.  The  custom- 
house was  designed  by  William  Strickland  and  constructed  by  the 
Second  Bank  of  the  United  States.  It  was  commenced  in  1819  and 
completed  in  1824,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $500,000. 

The  building  is  of  marble  from  Montgomery  County.  Pa.,  and  con- 
tains a  space  of  714,000  cubic  feet.  There  are  thirteen  office  room-, 
all  of  which  are  used  by  the  customs  service,  except  three,  which  are 
assigned  to  the  assistant  treasurer.  Artificial  heat  is  supplied  by  a 
hot-water  system  (direct  radiation),  which  is  operated  by  one  heater. 

The  property  was  purchased  by  the  United  States  September  2H, 
1844.  for  &25ti.!is7.N2.  ^2.r).(K»i  of  which  amount  was  appropriated  by 
an  act  of  Congress  approved  June  17.  1*44.  the  balance  being  obtained 
from  the  sale  of  the  old  custom-house.  The  customs  officials  moved 
into  the  present  building  during  the  latter  part  of  1844  and  early  part 
of  1845. 

Appropriations  on  account  of  repairs,  etc..  to  the  structure  were 
made  by  acts  of  September  30.  1S50.  March  1SI53.  duly  2.  ism.  April 
7,  1  iS«;«».  and  March  ?>.  L887. 

The  average  value  of  the  exports  and  imports  at  the  port  of  Phila- 
delphia for  each  of  the  fifteen  years  from  lss.">  to  L899  was  $43,010,947 
and  $4(5,N.s7.4Nl.  respectively,  per  annum.  In  1840  the  population  of 
the  city  was  !«.»;»>;>,  and  in  lt*(M»  it  was  1,293,697. 

At  the  east  of  the  custom-house,  but  on  the  Government  lot  and 
separated  from  the  main  building  by  a  driveway,  is  located  the  Marine- 
Hospital  otlice,  the  one  and  two-story  structure  shown  in  the  illustra- 
tion at  the  rear  of  the  Western  Bank  Building.  This  hospital  otlice 
was  constructed  in  1*77.  and  is  used  as  a  dispensary  and  medical  store- 
room, and  also  for  the  examination  of  applicant-  for  hospital  treat- 
ment. 

The  old  CUStom-house,  which  was  located  on  Second  street,  was  pur- 
chased in  lsit;  and  sold  at  public  auction  May  L'o.  L845,  for  $32,300. 


f)OB 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


BISTORT   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


507 


P05T-0FFICK  AM)  COrKT-HOUSE.  PHILADKLPHI A.  PA. 

This  building!  is  located  on  the  west  side  of  Ninth  street  between  Market  on  the 
north  and  Chestnut  on  the  south,  and  is  on  the  site  of  the  mansion  completed  in 
1707  for  the  President  of  the  United  States.  After  the  removal  <>f  the  seat  of  gov  ern- 
ment from  Philadelphia  the  land  belonging  to  the  Kxeeutive  mansion  was  sold  to 
tiie  University  of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  institution  it  was  again  secured  by  pur- 
chase May  28,  1*73.  The  additional  land  required  was  secured  in  the  following  year, 
the  total  cost  of  the  site  being  $1,483,007.  The  site  has  a  frontage  of  175.it  feet  e  ach 
on  Market  ami  Chestnut  streets  and  484  feet  on  Ninth  street. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  June  8,  ls7-_>,  and 
appropriations  on  account  of  its  construction  were  made  by  acts  of  March  .'!.  1873, 
June  23,  1874,  March  3,  1875,  Julv  31,  1870,  March  3,  1S77.  April  30,  ls7s.  June  20, 
1878,  March  3,  1870,  June  Hi,  18X0,  March  3,  1SS1.  August  7.  1SS2,  March  3.  lss:;, 
an<l  May  1,  1884. 

Kxcavations  for  the  foundations  were  eommenced  about  the  middle  of  1874,  and 
the  building  was  completed  and  ■  tccupied  in  the  summer  of  1884,  the  cost  of  ©  instruc- 
tion being  $4,023, 043. 40.  It  is  of  tin-  Renaissance  style  of  architecture,  fronts  42fi 
feet  on  Ninth  street  and  144  feet  each  on  Market  and  Chestnut  streets,  has  a  total 
height  of  104  feet  to  top  of  dome,  and  contains  a  space  of  7, 37S.  <MM)  cubic  feet.  The 
stone  used  in  its  construction  is  a  granite  quarried  on  I>ix  Island,  near  Rockland, 
Me.,  which  was  cut  in  part  under  a  15  per  cent  contract  similar  to  that  described  in 
connection  with  the  court-house  and  post -office,  New  York,  N.  Y.,  and  in  pari  at  a 
fixed  rate  per  superficial  foot  for  the  different  grades  of  work.  There  are  in  the 
building  150  rooms,  ranging  in  sizes  from  the  post-otfice  working  room,  which  i-  254 
by  124  feet,  to  the  smallest,  and  235  windows.  The  heights  o|  the  stories  an-  as 
follows:  First,  27  feet  3  inches;  second,  22  feet  3  inches;  third,  20  feet  0  inches; 
fourth,  15  feet  0  inches;  fifth,  IS  feet  0  inches.  The  first  Hoor  and  a  portion  of  the 
basement  is  occupied  by  the  post-otlice,  and  the  third  lloor  by  the  United  States 
courts,  the  second,  fourth,  ami  fifth  being  assigned  principally  to  the  pension  agency, 
internal-revenue  service.  Navy  pay  office,  Weather  Bureau,  light-house  engineers, 
boiler  inspectors,  etc.  The  interior  finish  generally  is  in  'lark-red  mahogany.  Si .lid 
iron  shutters  pocketed  into  the  walls  arc  provided  for  each  window  and  door,  so 
that  when  these  are  closed  the  building  is  practically  proof  against  tire-  from  the 
outside. 

The  building  is  provided  with  a  low-pressure  and  exhaust  steam-heating  apparatus, 
direct,  direct-indirect,  and  indirect  radiation,  operated  by  8  horizontal  tubular  In  tilers 
equipped  with  I  law  ley  down-draft  furnaces.  The  elevators  are  hydraulic — 2  passen- 
ger, 1  freight,  and  1  ash  lift.    There  is  also  an  electric-lighting  plant  in  the  basement. 

huring  the  year  ended  June  30,  1884,  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  receipts 

aggregateil  $1,508,070.07  and  $2,055,174.2:'..  and  in  the  year  ended  June  30.  1900,  they 

were  83,300.072.07  and  $10,054, 158.58,  respectively.  The  population  of  Philadelphia 
in  1880  was  847.170.  ami  in  1000  it  was  1,203,007. 

Under  authority  conveyed  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  18,  1894,  March  2, 
1805,  ami  June  8,  1800,  a  strip  of  ground  adjoining  the  site  on  the  west,  w  ith  a  front- 
age of  Hi  feet  8  inches  on  Market  street  and  extending  south  222  feet  to  Ludlow  street, 
was  secured  by  purchase  March  18,  I S*.  #  7 .  for  the  sum  of  $82,550.00.  The  I  mi  )•  lings 
on  the  ground  have  been  removed  and  the  strip  paved,  thus  widening  the  mail  drive- 
way, which  was  somewhat  contracted.    I. ml  low  street,  referred  to,  extends  easterly 

from  Tenth  street  ami  terminates  at  the  line  of  the  Government  lot,  at  the  rear  of 
the  Record  building,  which  is  shown  in  part  in  the  illustration. 

The  statue  shown  in  the  illustration  at  the  Chestnut  street  end  of  the  building  is 
of  Benjamin  Franklin,  the  first  Poet  master-General  appointed  after  the  organization 
of  the  continental  postal  system  in  1770.  It  was  donated  to  the  city  by  Sir.  Justus 
0.  Straw  bridge  and  placed  in  this  location  in  May,  1800,  by  permission  of  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury,  granted  July  Hi,  18<»7. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  post-otlice  and  courts  occupied  a 
structure  which  was  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  extending  from  Chestnut  to  Library 
street,  between  Fourth  and  Fifth,  and  adjoining  the  custom-house  site.  This  prop- 
erty was  purchased  in  1800  for$101,000,  ami  the  building  altered  to  meet  the  require- 
ments of  the  <  ioverntnent  offices.  It  was  sold  in  1887  for  $413,000,  under  authority 
of  acts  of  Congress  of  March  .'!.  1885,  anil  August  4.  1880.  The  purchaser.  Anthony  J. 
Drexel,  demolished  theold  building  and  erected  on  the  site  the  magnilicant  structure 
known  as  the  Drexel  Building. 


508 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


509 


rMTED  STATES  MINT.  PHILADELPHIA,  PA, 

This  building  fronts  south  on  Chestnut  street,  on  a  site  bounded  on 
the  south  by  Chestnut  street  L50  feet,  east  by  .Juniper  street  ^04  feet, 
north  by  South  Penn  square  150  feet,  and  on  the  west  ^04  feet  by  the 
Betz  Building  fronting  on  South  Penn  square  and  the  Girard  Trust 
Building  fronting  on  Chestnut  street.  These  two  buildings  separate 
the  mint  from  Broad  street,  and  between  them  and  the  mint  building 
is  ;i  L5  foot  4k  inch  alley  on  the  Government  land  extending  from 
Chestnut  street  to  South  Penn  square. 

The  land  was  purchased  May  I.  182!»,  for  the  sum  of  831,666.67, 
under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2,  L829,  and 
the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  L833,the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  $207,101.25.  It  was  designed  by  William  Strickland,  and 
is  constructed  of  marble  from  Montgomery  County.  Pa.  Consider- 
able alterations  were  made  in  the  building  during  the  year-  1 850  and 
1857. 

Appropriations  on  account  of  this  mint,  including  machinery,  etc.. 
were  made  by  acts  of  Congress,  approved  March  '1.  ls^H,  Ma\  31. 
1830.  July  11.  1832,  March  2.  1833,  dune  27,  1*34.  May  !».  L836, 
March  81,  1837,  March  3,  1839,  May  8,  1840,  May  15,  1850,  September 
30.  1850,  March  3,  1855,  August  is.  L856,  March  8,  1*75.  July  31, 
1876,  and  October  2,  L888,  the  last  being  for  an  additional  story, 
enlarging  vaults,  etc.  The  vault  work  was  performed,  but  the  addi- 
tional story  was  not  constructed. 

An  act  of  March  3,  18!»1,  which  authorized  the  erection  of  a  new 
mint  building  at  Philadelphia,  provides  that  when  the  same  is  com- 
pleted this  old  building  is  to  be  sold. 

The  new  mint  is  located  on  the  square  bounded  by  Spring  Garden, 
Buttonwood,  Sixteenth,  and  Seventeenth  streets,  with  principal  front 
on  the  former,  and  it  is  believed  that  it  will  be  completed  and  occupied 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  calendar  year  15*01. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  18!*!*,  the  coinage  value  of  gold  and 
silver  deposited  at  this  mint  was  $78,oo5t,450.so  and  £0.!*3t'>.8lo.5S. 
respectively. 

The  first  mint  at  Philadelphia  was  provided  for  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  April  2,  175*2,  and  March  2,  1793.  It  was  located  on  the  east 
side  of  Seventh  street,  near  Arch,  and  was  occupied  until  the  present 
building  was  completed,  after  which  it  was  sold. 


510 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 


HISTORY    <>!•'   1MBLIC  WILDINGS. 


511 


COUKT-HOrSK  AM)  POST-OFFICE.  PITTSBUHG.  PA. 

This  building  fronts  northwest  on  Smithh'old  street,  ;im<1  i-  bounded 
on  the  northeast  by  Fourth  avenue,  southwest  by  Third  avenue,  and 
southeast  by  Cherry  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  condemnation  proceedings  January  9,  L878, 
at  a  cost  of  $34*>,17tf.3(),  $4fi,17t>.3»i  of  which  was  paid  by  citizens  of 
Pittsburg,  this  latter  sum  being  in  excess  of  the  appropriation.  The 
site  has  a  northwest  and  southeast  frontage  of  171  feet  .">A  indies,  and 
northeast  and  southwest  of  240  feet. 

Excavations  and  laying  of  foundations  were  commenced  in  the  sum- 
mer of  ISSl.  extensive  piling  being  necessary,  and  the  building  was 
completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  pari  of  1 89J .  the  post-office  moving 
in  on  the  1st  of  October  of  that  year.  The  cost  «>t'  construction  was 
91,610,462.15. 

The  general  style  adopted  in  the  design  of  the  building  is  modified 
Renaissance.  During  construction  the  contractor  for  the  supply  of 
the  granite,  which  WBS  quarried  at  Ka-t  Bluehill.  Me.,  having  tailed 
to  comply  with  the  requirements,  the  Government  assumed  charge  of 
the  quarry  and  prosecuted  to  completion  the  work  of  supplying  the 
material.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  i-  occupied  by  the  post-office, 
the  building  has  about  sixty-five  office  rooms,  which  are  assigned 
mainly  to  the  railway  mail,  customs,  and  internal- revenue  services, 
United  States  courts.  I'nited  States  engineer  corps,  and  Weather 
Bureau.  It  has  a  cubic  content.-  of  .">.'_'7.">.'.J77  feet,  and  i-  heated  by 
steam,  supplied  by  six  boilers.    These  boilers  also  furnish  power  for 

pumps  operating  five  hydraulic  elevators    two  passenger,   freight, 

one  mail  lift,  and  one  ash  lift. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  i>  contained  in  net-  of 
Congress  approved  March  3.  1S73.  May  l'4.  1880,  dune  L6,  March 
3.  lssl.  August  7.  1NK2,  March  3.  L888,  February  14.  L885,  A.ugust  4. 
L886,  March  8,  L887,  October  •>.  L888,  March  2,  L889,  Augu>t  80,  1890, 
September  30.  lK'.Ki.  and  March  :!.  L898  (extra  work  furnished). 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L891,  the  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  amounted  o  $4,062,372.99  and  (570,198.69,  and  during 
the  year  ended  June  80, 1899,  to  $8,504,214.65  and  $835,671.42, respec- 
tively. The  population  of  the  city  in  1870  was  86,076*  L880,  L56,889; 
ls'.tu,  23S.»;i7.  and  in  1SKM).  321,tfl«>. 

Prior  to  the  occupation  of  this  building  the  Government  owned  and 
occupied  for  custom-  purposes,  etc..  a  building  located  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Fifth  avenue  and  Smithfield  street,  which  wa>  pro- 
vided for  by  acts  of  March  3.  ls.M.  July  21,  1NA2.  August  8,  L856, 
and  dune  !».  lst;o  (superintendent's  services).  Fnder  authority  of  an 
act  of  August  23.  1892,  the  property  was  sold  at  auction  on  February 
27,  1893,  for  U?433,  ;><><). 


512 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


513 


POST-OFFICE,  POTTSVILLE,  PA. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  was  authorized 
by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  20.  ls'.if>.  and  was  appro- 
priated for  by  acts  of  March  2,  I8i*5,  and  June  7.  ls:»7.  The  site  was 
purchased  December  81.  1S!M>.  for  the  sum  of  ^lS.ouu,  and  has  a  north 
frontage  of  SO  feet  on  Norwegian  street  and  an  east  frontage  of  110 
feet  on  Second  street. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  duly  If., 
I8f8.  and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  dune.  L899.  the  cost  of 
construction  being  *.'!•>. 27;">.;t  I. 

It  is  of  Italian  Gothic  style  of  architecture,  and  is  constructed  of  red 
brick  with  basement  and  trim  of  openings  of  Iluinmelstown  (I'a.)  red 
sandstone.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  pogte-office,  the  main 
entrance  to  which  is  from  Second  street,  and  the  second  floor  by  the 
railway  mail  clerks,  pension  examiners,  and  internal-revenue  service. 
There  is  an  independent  stairway  to  the  second  floor  from  the  entrance 
on  Norwegian  street.  The  building  contain-,  a  -pace  of  1  f>7,252  cubic 
feet,  and  is  heated  by  steam  supplied  from  one  boiler. 

During  the  year  ended  June  :>i i.  lSit'.t,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $2i),  115.80.  In  L890  the  population  of  Pottsville  was  14.117.  and 
in  I'.mmi  it  was  I."). 71(1. 

12242—01  33 


514 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Keading,  Pa. 


HISTOKY  (»F   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


•r)15 


POST-OFFICE,  READING.  PA. 

This  building  is  Located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fifth  ;ui<l  Wash- 
ington streets,  on  a  site  fronting  west  90  feet  on  the  former,  north  230 
feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  east  by  Church  alley,  which  is 
20  feet  in  width.  The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  January  *'>. 
1887,  for  $47,000,  and  work  of  excavating  for  foundation-  was  coin 
menced  during  the  latter  part  of  that  year,  the  building  'icing  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  September,  lss'.t.  The  cost  of  construction  WBS 
$132,578.15.  It  is  constructed  of  red  brick,  trimmed  with  Pennsyl- 
vania marble,  and  contains  a  space  of  HSo.OOO  cubic  feet.  The  entire 
hrst  floor  and  a  portion  of  tiie  second  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service, 
other  rooms  on  the  second  floor  being  assigned  to  the  internal-revenue 
serv  ice  and  pension  examiner.  Artificial  heat  i>  supplied  by  a  -team- 
heating  apparatus  operated  by  one  boiler. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  act-  of 
Congress  approved  March  H.  INN")  (Stat.  L..  vol.  '2'.'>.  pp.  :'>4ti  and  181), 
July  2i»,  lSMi,  and  March  3.  1SS7. 

During  the  year  ended  September  Ho,  Is; to,  the  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  $57,!W4.*i2.  and  for  the  fiscal  year  1S98-99  they  were 
&!H.S!t(j.S0.  In  lSlto  the  population  of  the  city  wa-  58,661,  and  in  1900 
it  was  78.1*01. 


516 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


517 


POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  SCRANTON,  PA. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  site  bounded  on  the  northeast  loo  feet 
by  Linden  street,  southeast  170  feet  by  Washington  avenue,  and  on 
the  northwest  170  feet  by  a  10-foot  alley.  The  land  was  secured  duly 
2,  1883,  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of  $35,000.  In  the  conveyance  the 
grantors  reserve  the  "right  to  construct  and  use  any  subterranean 
passage  or  gangway  under  said  land  required  by  said  company  to 
reach  and  mine  any  coal  or  other  materials  belonging  to  other  land-  or 
premises." 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  .January  27.  1*82.  authorized  the 
building  and  limited  cost  of  site  and  structure  to  &7.*>.<»oo.  The  prep- 
aration of  plans,  etc..  was  deferred,  however,  until  the  limit  W9B 
extended  by  an  act  of  April  20.  lN'.to.  when  further  action  was  taken 
and  a  contract  awarded  October  2i>,  IS'.Hi.  for  excavations,  foundation-, 
and  basement  and  area  walls.  The  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied February  24.  Is;t4«  the  cost  of  construction  being  £220.f>l.r>.23. 

It  is  constructed  of  granite  from  .Hurricane  Island,  Maine,  and  ha- a 
contents  of  629,01  1  cubic  feet.  There  are  twenty-one  room-  occupied, 
they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal-revenue 
services  and  the  United  States  courts.  The  building  is  equipped  with 
a  steam-heating  plant,  with  a  battery  of  two  boilers,  and  an  electric 
passenger  elev  ator.  The  boilers,  however,  are  not  in  use.  steam  being 
obtained  from  street  mains  furnished  by  the  Kconomv  Light.  Heat  and 
Power  Company. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Augu-t  7. 
1SS2,  July  7.  1SS4,  August  3U.  1890,  March  8,  1891,  August  23,  1^'4 
(elevator  and  approaches),  and  duly  7.  L898  (outstanding  liabilities). 

An  act  of  December  23.  lS!»o,  authorized  the  use  of  the  court  room 
by  the  State  courts  for  live  years  from  ls'.tt!  at  *l»>o  per  annum. 

During  the  years  ended  March  I  and  December  31.  IS!»4.  the  internal- 
revenue  and  postal  receipts  amounted  to  £7<>3.shu.2-J  and  ^'.t2.2'.,7.2'.i. 
respectively,  and  during  the  year  ended  dune  3(t.  1S!»!».  the  correspond- 
ing figures  were  £l,S2(U>.*>0. 71  and  £143. 73s.. ">s.  In  l.s'.to  the  popula- 
tion of  the  city  was  7.">,21.)  and  in  l'.tuit  it  was  l(»2,i'20. 


518 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


519 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  WILLIAMSPORT,  PA. 

The  court-house,  post-office  etc..  at  Williamsport,  Pa.,  front-  aorth 
on  West  Fourth  street,  and  is  located  on  the  Mock  hounded  on  the 
north  196  feet*!  inches  by  West  Fourth  street,  on  the  south  20]  feet 
f»  inches  hy  Willow  street,  on  the  east  210  feet  hy  Government  place, 
and  on  the  west  21<>  feet  by  West  street. 

The  land  was  secured  January  1".  L884,  and  June  L,  L887,  by  COn- 
deinnation  proceedings,  the  total  amount  of  the  award-  being  $42, 900. 
A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  Julv  6,  L888, 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  June,  L891,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  £l 7t>.s'.'7.  l.*>.  The  stone  used  in  the  wall>  of  the 
superstructure  is  marble  obtained  from  King  of  Prussia,  l'a. 

Legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  act- of  Con- 
gress approved  August  '■>.  1882,  August  7.  L882,  July  7.  L884,  March 
8,  tssf),  July  lo,  1n.su  (extending  limit  of  cost),  March  3,  L887,  and 
Decemher  •_!.'».  ISO."),  the  last  authorizing  the  use  of  the  court  room  by 
the  State  courts  during  February  for  five  year-  from  L896.  In  pur- 
suance of  this  act  the  district  court  room  is  rented  by  the  superior 
court. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  506,050  feet,  and  is  pro\  ided 
with  steam  heat  obtained  from  an  outside  plant.  The  number  of  room- 
occupied  is  nineteen,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  post-olhYe 
and  the  United  States  court-. 

During  the  years  ended  June  30,  L891,  and  June  80,  1899,  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  *1I..">m i.»»7  and  $59,988.8 f.  respectively.  In  I  890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  27,132  and  in  L900  it  was  28,757. 


520 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  York,  Pa. 


HISTORY   OF  PL'ULIC  HflLDIXOS. 


521 


POST-OFFICE.  FORK,  PA. 

The  site  of  this  building  is  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Philadelphia 
and  Beaver  streets,  and  fronts  south  '.is  feet  4A  inches  on  the  former 
and  west  1  lti  feet  !'  inches  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  duly  10,  INHI.  for  $23,500. 
A  contract  was  awarded  duly  8,  1N'.'2.  for  the  general  excavation, 
etc.,  and  the  building  was  occupied  in  November.  1895.  It  was  not 
finally  completed,  however,  until  1897.  The  cost  of  construction  was 
$»;i,!»74.N<>. 

Legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved 
May  24.  L890,  August  80,  L890,  March  3.  1MU.  August  23.  1M»4.  and 
duly  L9,  L897. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  203.000  feet.  The  Dumber 
of  rooms  occupied  is  seven,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the 
postal  and  internal-revenue  services.  The  building  i-  heated  by  -team 
furnished  by  an  outside  plant. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  80,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to $54,155.02.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  was  2i>.7:t::.  and  in 
1900  it  was  33,708. 


522 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  <>F  ITJ5LIC  BUILDINGS. 


523 


(TSTOM-HOl'SK  AND  POST-OFFK'K.  IlKISTOL  K.  I. 

The  site  for  this  building  was  secured  by  purchase  April  1'.',  1*50, 
for  the  sum  of  *4,4oo.  It  fronts  west  on  Hope  street  75  feet  and  is 
150  feet  deep.  The  building  was  constructed  in  1857  at  a  cost  of 
922,135.75,  exclusive  of  ground.  It  is  about  40  by  -VI  feet  in  plan, 
contains  a  cubic  space  of  25,000  feet,  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and 
is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  approved  March  1n55, 
August  L8,  L856,  and  dune  12,  L858  (approaches). 

When  the  building  was  constructed  the  customs  business  at  Bristol 
was  considerable,  vessels  arriving  at  the  port  from  all  parts  of  the 
world,  butat  the  present  it  is  only  nominal.  The  gross  postal  receipts 
for  the  fiscal  year  lN'.iX-iw  were  S!».s:->,«>.:;:-',.  The  population  of  the  city 
in  L890  was  5.47s.  and  in  1900  it  wa>  6,901. 


524 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


525 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  NEWPORT.  R.  !. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Franklin  and 
Thames  streets,  fronting  on  the  latter.  It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  May  24.  1*2*.  The  ground  was  secured  Novem- 
ber 12,  1S2S.  by  purchase,  for  the  sum  of  SI, 400.  It  is  hounded  on 
the  north  about  116  feet  by  Franklin  street,  and  on  the  west  by 
Thames  street  93  feet,  the  south  and  east  lines  being  96  feet  and 
about  SO  feet,  respectively.  Extending  south  from  Franklin  street 
east  of  the  one-story  structure  with  gable  roof  is  a  12-foot  alley 
on  the  Government  property.  This  alley  extends  only  the  width 
of  the  lot.  The  building  was  constructed  in  ls2'.»  and  occupied  early 
in  L830,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *!».100.  In  1S72-73  it  was 
remodeled  at  a  cost  of  *1  1 . 1  **.<>2.  at  which  time  the  one-story  addition 
was  constructed  at  the  rear.  January  21.  1S75,  the  interior  of  the 
building  was  destroyed  by  tire.  The  damages  were  repaired  under  an 
appropriation  of  *7.41'.».4H  made  for  that  purpose  by  an  act  of  Match 
3,  1ST;*).  This  act  also  appropriated  *•">. 712.50  for  the  erection  of  a 
storehouse,  it  being  the  one-story  structure  with  gable  roof  partially 
show  n  in  the  illustration  at  the  rear  of  the  custom-house.  This  struc- 
ture is  about  12  by  60  feet  and  is  used  for  the  examination  and  storage 
of  imported  goods,  etc. 

The  main  building,  as  well  as  the  warehouse  in  the  rear,  is  con- 
structed of  brick,  and  contains  a  space  of  138,000  cubic  feet.  It  is 
heated  by  steam  provided  by  one  boiler.  The  first  Hoor  is  occupied  by 
the  post -office  and  the  second  by  the  customs  service,  the  third  being 
used  by  the  Weather  Bureau  and  for  the  storage  of  records,  etc. 

In  addition  to  the  acts  above  noted  appropriations  on  account  of  the 
building  were  made  by  acts  of  July  13.  1*:52.  and  May  is,  1*72. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  the  year  ended  June  Ho,  l.v.i'.i.  were 
$47,365.1 1.  The  population  of  the  city  has  increased  from  about  8,000 
in  l*2'.i  to  22,o:54  in  1900. 


526 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Pawtocket,  R.  I. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


527 


POST-OFFICE,  PAWTUCKET,  li.  L 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Summer  and 
High  streets,  which  streets  form  an  angle  of  t'>4  4."/  at  this  point,  the 
former  extending  in  a  westerly  and  the  latter  in  8  northerly  direction. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Janu- 
ary 12.  ls;>i.  and  appropriated  for  by  an  ad  of  March  :;.  ls'.M.  The 
site  was  purchased  November  10.  1SW2.  for  the  sum  of  £:M.o<»o.  and 
has  a  frontage  of  150.42  feet  on  High  street  and  I23.»is  feet  on  Sum- 
mer street.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded 
duly  f>.  IS'.Mi.  the  ground  was  broken  October  2,  1896,  and  the  structure 
was  completed  and  occupied  November  1 .  1M»7.  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $50,644.16. 

In  the  construction  of  the  building  Bedford  ilnd.)  limestone  is  used 
below  the  top  of  the  water  table,  for  the  main  entrance,  including  col- 
umns, entablature,  eagles,  etc.,  and  for  all  steps,  door  >ill>.  lintels, 
etc.,  and  terra  cotta  for  all  molded  courses  above  the  water  table, 
quoins  at  openings  and  angles  of  walls,  window  beads,  pilasters,  etc.. 
except  main  entrance  as  stated,  and  base,  cap,  and  baluster  ornaments 
of  parapet  wall,  which  arc  of  galvanized  iron,  the  walls  generally  being 
of  red  brick.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  199,448  feet,  is  heated  by 
steam  supplied  by  one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  postal 
service. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  Ho.  ls'.dt.  the  postal  receipt-  a  unted 

to  $f)l,4H4.2N.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  27,638,  and  in 
1901)  it  was  39,231. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BIJILDIN08. 


529 


APPRAISERS'  STORES,  PROVIDENCE,  K.  I. 

This  building  is  Nos.  125*.  131,  133  South  Main  street,  and  IB  located 
on  the  west  corner  of  South  Main  street  and  Customs  avenue,  on  a 
site  fronting  northeast  4<»  feet  on  the  former  and  southeast  60  feet  on 
the  latter.  The  property  was  purchased  November  26,  1M7,  for  the 
sum  of  £3,000.  the  funds  being  provided  from  an  appropriation  entitled 
" Custom-houses  and  public  warehouses." 

Appropriations  on  account  of  improvement  and  maintenance  of  the 
property  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  dune  27.  1  s: i4 .  duly 
27.  1842,  and  September  30,  is.r>0. 

The  building  was  formerly  used  entirely  for  the  customs  service,  but 

since  INN  7  the  second  floor  has  1  n  occupied  by  the  internal-revenue 

service,  the  Hrst  Hoor  and  basement  being  used  as  customs  examiners1 
rooms  and  warehouse. 

In  1820  the  population  of  Providence  was  LI, 767  and  in  15*00  it 
was  175. .7.17. 

In  1NN2  the  designation  of  this  building  was  changed  from  "custom- 
house" to  "appraisers'  stores." 
12242—01  34 


530 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Providence,  R. 


1. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS.  531 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  PROVIDENCE,  R,  L 

This  building  fronts  west  on  Weybosset  street,  and  is  on  a  site 
bounded  on  the  north  150  feet  by  Post-Office  court,  south  14.")  feel  Li 
inches  by  Custom-House  street,  on  the  wesi  70  feet  by  Weybosset 
street,  and  on  the  east  69  feet  !»  inches  hy  a  private  passageway. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  February  ^7.  Is.").",,  for  the  sum 
of  $40,000.  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  L857,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  ^01». 723.3^. 

It  is  constructed  of  Quincy  (  Mass.  |  granite,  has  a  contents  of  466, v|  11 1 
cubic  feet,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  Services  and 
the  United  States  courts.  Heat  is  supplied  from  a  hot-water  m  stem 
operated  by  two  boilers. 

Appropriations  on  account  of  the  site  and  building  welt-  made  by 
acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1  V>:;,  August  4.  L854,  and  April 
7,  lKbV>,  the  last  being  for  alterations  and  repairs. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1S!»1»,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $344. 1!*3.4!».  In  L860  the  population  of  the  city  vras 
50,666,  and  in  L900  it  was  17.").5H7. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS.  533 

CUSTOM-HOUSE,  CHARLESTON,  S.  C. 

In  pursuance  of  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1S47,  and  August  12,  1848,  the 
site  for  this  building  was  purchased  in  August,  1K49,  for  the  sum  of  $130,000,  which 
land  fronts  west  about  277  feet  on  East  Bay  street  ami  is  about  745  feet  deep, 
extending  along  the  southerly  line  of  Market  street  to  the  channel  of  Cooper  River. 
A  strip  of  land  separates  it  from  Caillard  street  on  the  south  side. 

Prior  to  the  beginning  of  the  civil  war  work  on  the  building  was  conducted  under 
the  direction  of  a  special  commission,  appropriations  for  the  same  having  been  made, 
in  addition  to  the  acts  above  noted,  by  acts  of  March  3,  1X49,  September  3,  1850, 
March  3,  1851,  August  31,  1852,  March  3,  1853,  August  4,  1.H54,  March  3.  ls55,  August 
18,  185ii,  March  3,  1X57,  and  June  12,  1858,  the  aggregate  sum  made  available  by 
these  acts  being  S2.O53.000. 

An  act  of  June  25,  1800.  appropriated  $5, 0(H)  for  preserving  the  unfinished  work  on 
the  building  and  $15,000  to  pay  for  stone  delivered  on  the  premises.  The  work  was 
then  discontinued,  and  on  July  28,  186ti,  and  March  2.  1S07.  appropriations  were 
made  to  protect  the  building  from  further  dilapidation.  During  the  bombardment 
of  Charleston  the  building  was  struck  by  several  shells  and  sustained  considerable 

injury.    In  1870,  under  acts  of  April  20  and  July  15  of  that  year,  work  was  re-u  1, 

based  on  modified  plans  prepared  by  the  Supervising  Architect,  a  great  many  of  the 
original  plans  having  been  destroyed,  and  was  prosecuted  under  appropriations  made 
available  by  acts  of  March  3,  1871,  June  10,  1X72.  March  3,  1X73  i  which  provided  also 
for  reconstructing  wharves),  June  23.  1x74,  and  March  3,  1S75.  the  total  of  all  the 
appropriations  for  the  building  and  site  being  $2,X0i>,915.43. 

While  the  war  was  in  progress  the  quarry  at  Hastings.  X.  Y.,  from  which  the 
marble  was  secured,  had  been  abandoned  and  tilled  up,  and.  for  the  completion  of  the 
building,  marble  of  a  very  similar  character  was  secured  from  quarries  at  Tuckalme, 
X.  J.     In  the  summer  of  1X79  the  structure  was  completed  ami  occupied. 

In  1887,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  March  3  of  that  year,  some  repairs  were  made 
on  the  east  and  west  porticos,  and  to  exterior  walls  injured  by  the  earthquake  of 
August  31,  1SS0.  In  the  latter  part  of  is««i  the  root  was  reconstructed  at  a  cost  of 
$7,604.99. 

The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  902,500  feet,  and  is  provided  with  heat  by 
open  grates  and  stoves.  The  number  of  r  is  assigned  i>  17.  occupied  by  the  Cus- 
toms, Internal- Revenue,  Marine- 1  Iospital,  Steamboat -Inspect  ion.  and  Weather  Bureau 
services,  and  United  States  engineers. 

In  1870  the  population  of  Charleston  was  is, <».-„;  and  in  Pino  it  was  55.S07. 

Under  an  act  of  July  7,  1884,  a  contract  was  entered  into  April  3,  1885,  for  construct- 
ing a  stone  wharf  at  the  east  front  of  the  building.  This  was  canceled  and  a  new  con- 
tract awarded  April  ti,  1887.    This  work  was  continued  underacts  of  August  4.  lss'> 

March  30,1888,  and  August  30,  1890,  and  0  pleted  early  in  1893,  the  total  COfll  of  the 

same  being  nearly  $223, 000.  The  wharf,  which  is  constructed  of  24  feet  of  masonry, 
about  5  feet  thick,  carried  on  piles  driven  40  feet  in  the  bottom,  lies  directly  east  of 
the  building,  and  is  used  by  all  Government  vessels  coming  into  the  port  of  Charles- 
ton. It  consists  of  two  piers,  each  being  235  feet  long,  including  the  head,  the  north 
pier  being  50  feet  and  the  south  pier  40  feet  wide.  The  north  side  of  the  wharf  is 
about  on  the  lot  line,  while  the  line  on  the  south  side  of  the  lot  runs  through  about 
the  center  of  the  slip  at  the  south  of  the  wharf.  The  bulkhead  of  the  middle  l>a.-in 
is  200  feet  from  the  bottom  step  on  the  east  front  of  the  building.  From  this  point 
the  basin  extends  about  250  feet  to  the  outer  line  of  the  pier  heads,  and  is  10S  feet 
wide.  At  the  bulkhead  referred  to  is  aeustoins  boat  house,  and  in  the  corresponding 
location  on  the  south  slip  is  a  United  States  engineers'  boat  bouse.  At  the  end  of 
each  pier  an  iron  bridge  about  40  feet  long  connects  with  the  pier  head,  which  IS  alSO 
constructed  of  masonry. 

Concord  street  was  extended  across  the  <  mvcrnment  property,  between  the  custom- 
house and  the  wharf,  in  pursuance  of  authority  granted  by  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  August  19,  1890.  The  street  is  40  feet  wide,  and  i-  used  principally  by 
railroad  tracks. 


534 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS, 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


535 


POST-OFFICE,  COURT-HOUSE,  ETC.,  CHARLESTON,  S.  C. 

Under  authority  conveyed  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3, 
1869,  and  April  20, 1871,  which  appropriated  $46,000,  the  Secretary  of 
the  interior  purchased  for  the  United  States,  on  .March  1, 1870,  property 
known  as  the  Charleston  Clubhouse,  which  consisted  of  a  building  and 
site  on  Meeting  street  somewhat  .south  from  Broad,  the  land  fronting 
east  ;">7  feet  9  inches  and  being  235  feet  '.»  inches  deep.  This  property 
.soon  after  its  purchase  was  transferred  to  the  control  of  the  Treasury 
I  )epartment,  and  was  occupied  principally  by  the  light-house  engineers. 

Under  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February 
1*87,  authorizing  the  post-office,  court  house,  etc.,  ground  was  pur- 
chased August  31,  1867,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  .Meeting  and 
Broad  streets  for  #70,000.  An  adjoining  lot  fronting  on  Broad  street 
was  secured  by  purchase  on  .June  15,  INNS,  for  #lo.ooo.  On  January 
24,  lNNlt,  the  adjoining  lot  fronting  on  Meeting  street  was  secured  for 
#10,000,  and  on  November  •>  of  that  year  the  next  adjoining  lot  on 
Meeting  street,  which  connects  with  the  clubhouse  property,  was  pur- 
chased for  #!J,074..">5.  The  clubhouse  was  torn  down  and  it-  site 
included  with  the  other  purchases,  thus  giving  the  site  of  the  post- 
office,  court-house,  etc..  a  total  frontage  of  -Js;,  feet  east  "ti  Meeting 
street  by  183  feet  north  on  Broad  street. 

In  addition  to  the  act  of  February'.*,  Inn  7,  appropriations  were  made 
for  the  building  by  acts  of  March  3,  1891,  August  L8,  1894,  March  2, 
lN'.t"),  June  4.  1  Si*7,  and  July  7,  IN!)N.  The  limit  of  rost  was  extended 
by  acts  of  May  24.  1NNN,  and  January  19,  1891. 

A  contract  for  excavating,  piling,  etc..  was  awarded  February  25, 
LNN!>,  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  April,  1  s'.it;. 
Considerable  work  on  the  approaches  and  grounds,  however,  was 
subsequently  performed  under  the  appropriations  of  1897  and  L898. 
The  cost  of  construction,  including  improvement  of  ground,  was 
$405,689.40. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  granite,  and  i>  located  at  the  miner 
of  Meeting  and  Broad  streets.  It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  752,100 
feet,  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  equipped  with  elevator  service.  It  is 
occupied  almost  entirely  by  the  postal  service  and  United  States  courts. 

The  ground  fronting  on  Meeting  street  at  the  south  of  the  building 
has  been  laid  off  in  walks  and  lawns,  with  a  fountain  in  the  center. 
This  park  fronts  about  lf!()  feet  on  Meeting  street,  and  is  235  feet  '.' 
inches  deep. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  first  year  the  building  was 
occupied  were  #7!  >.  71  *;.»><!;  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  80,  L899, 
they  were  $82,441.88.    The  population  of  the  city  in  l'.too  was  .">.">. No7. 


536 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


537 


POST-OFFICE  (OLD).  CHARLESTON.  S.  ('. 

This  building  was  constructed  under  authority  of  an  act  of  the 
colonial  assembly  of  South  Carolina,  dated  April  18,  1707.  which  act 
appropriated  £00. 000  for  the  erection  of  an  "  Exchange  and  custom 
house"  on  the  public  grounds,  •"whereon  the  watchhouse  and  old 
council  chamber  stands."  It  is  a  two-story  structure  of  brick  with 
stone  trimmings,  most  of  the  material  Inn  ing  been  brought  from  Eng- 
land. It  is  located  at  the  east  end  of  Broad  street,  which  La  terminated 
by  East  Hay  street,  which  latter  street  bounds  the  building  on  the 
west.  The  land  on  the  north,  east,  and  soutli  Bides  i-  a  public  thorough- 
fare, Gillon  and  Champney  streets  being  terminated  at  their  west  ends 
b}r  East  Bay  street  at  the  north  and  south  end-  of  the  building, 
respectively.  The  East  Hay  street  front  is  shown  in  the  accompanying 
illustration. 

On  February  lit.  LSI*,  the  I'nited  State-  secured  the  building  and 
the  land  embraced  within  its  boundaries  by  purchase  from  the  State 
of  South  Carolina  for  the  sum  of  160,000. 

Appropriations  for  repairs  to  the  building  were  made  by  act-  of 
Congress  approved  March  2S.  isttS,  March  8,  1848,  .March  1*4;,. 
and  July  15,  J 870.  By  an  act  of  February  9,  18*7.  it  was  authorized  to 
be  sold  as  soon  as  the  new  post-office,  court-house,  etc.,  La  completed. 
Compliance  with  the  provisions  of  this  act  was  held  in  abeyance,  and 
on  December  If),  lS'.t.s.  the  building  was  transferred  to  the  use  of  the 
Light-House  Hoard.  It  was  materially  injured  by  an  earthquake 
August  81,  1880. 

During  the  siege  of  Charleston  by  the  British.  Sunday.  May  17. 
17N0,  General  Moultrie  placed  his  principal  magazine  (10. 000  pounds 
of  powder)  in  the  northeast  corner  of  the  basement  of  this  building, 
and  had  the  doors  and  windows  bricked  up.  When  the  British  took 
possession  of  Charleston  they  occupied  this  building,  and  used  the 
apartment  adjoining  where  the  powder  was  stored  as  a  "provost"  for 
the  incarceration  of  suspected  citizens,  [n  July,  L 781,  Colonel  Hayne 
was  captured  near  Charleston  by  the  British  and  confined  in  this 
"provost"  until  August  4.  17M,  when,  without  trial,  he  was  executed 
at  the  yard  arm  by  orders  of  Lord  RawdoD  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Balfour,  notwithstanding  that  his  life  was  interceded  for  h\  a  great 
number  both  of  loyalists  and  Americans.  When  General  .Moultrie 
returned  to  Charleston  the  powder  that  was  stored  in  the  basement 
remained  undiscovered  by  the  British.  When  General  Washington 
visited  Charleston  in  1 701  one  of  the  handsomest  entertainments  given 
in  his  honor  was  a  concert  and  ball  at  the  Kxchange. 

The  population  of  the  city  at  the  time  this  building  was  constructed 
was  about  L0,863,  and  in  1900  it  was  55,807. 


538 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    OF    rTKLIC  BUILDINGS. 


539 


COURT-HUl'SK  AND  POST-OFFICE.  COH'MIUA,  S.  C. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1857,  appropriated  s.">o.ooo 
for  the  construction  of  a  building  at  Columbia.  S.  C.  In  1861  this 
amount  was  covered  into  the  surplus  fund  of  the  Treasury.  March  3, 
1869,  Congress  reauthorized  the  I aiilding  without  any  limitation  other 
than  that  the  site  should  be  given  to  the  I'nited  States,  and  appropri- 
ated &7">.000  therefor.  Under  this  authority  plans  were  prepared  for 
a  granite  building.  In  pursuance  of  this  act  thirty-five  citizens  of 
Columbia  purchased,  on  January  '27.  ls70,  for  *2..~>oo.  the  site  fronting 
north  208  feet  on  Laurel  street,  and  east  L04  feet  on  Richardson  mow 
Main)  street,  and  on  April  8.  ls7o,  donated  it  to  the  United  States. 
The  appropriation  of  March  3,  ls»5l»,  was  afterwards  carried  to  the 
surplus  fund  under  act  of  duly  5,  1870.  An  act  of  March  -J>.  L871, 
reappropriated  the  &75.00O.  During  the  summer  of  1871  work  on  the 
building  was  commenced,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  the  latter  part  of  1*74.  the  total  cost  of  construction  being 
^407.  IS!).  17. 

Appropriations  for  continuing  and  completing  the  building  were 
made  by  acts  of  dune  lo.  L872,  March  3.  L878,  and  dune  28,  L874. 

l'nder  authority  of  an  act  o*(  longress  of  March  :;.  L875,  an  additional 
plot  of  ground  was  purchased  September  1,  L875,  for$5,000,  adjoin- 
ing the  Government  lot  on  the  south,  fronting  48  feet  on  Richardson 

(now  Main)  street,  and  208  feet  deep. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  588,000  feet,  is  heated  by  hot 
water  system,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  Postal,  [nteraal- 
Revenue  and  Weather-Bureau  services  and  the  United  Stale-  court-; 
the  number  of  rooms  assigned  being  17. 

The  receipts  from  internal  revenue  collected  during  the  tiscal  year 
ls7o-7l!  were  $lS,/5!»2.42,  and  for  1 898-99,  1284,278. 15.  The  postal 
receipts  during  the  year  lX!tS-<)!»  were  $3'2.M74.<>!>.  In  1870  the  popu- 
lation of  the  city  was  !>,2!»S,  and  in  L(.)0(J  it  was  21,108. 


540 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS, 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


541 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  GREENVILLE,  S.  C. 

On  May  2.  L889,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  <>t'  Congress  approved  May 
1,  lsss.  a  plot  of  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  for  *12,000.  front- 
ing1 oast  l.-><)  tVct  on  Main  street,  and  south  L 25  feet  on  Broad  street. 
Plans  were  approved  for  this  building,  and  a  contract  for  its  erection 
on  the  site  purchased  was  awarded  June  PI.  L890.  The  building  was 
occupied  in  May.  L892,  and  entirely  completed  later  in  that  year,  the 
cost  of  construction  being  &<Nt!,7o?>.!iN.  Appropriations  on  its  account 
were  made  by  act<  of  October  2,  1888,  March  2,  1889,  and  July  28, 
1892. 

The  basement  is  of  brown  sandstone  from  Sanford,  N.  (  '..  ami  the 
superstructure  is  of  brick  and  terra  cotta.  The  building  contains  a 
cubic  space  of  4< IS.4N!»  feet,  is  heated  by  a  hot- water  plant,  and  is  occu- 
pied mainly  by  the  Postal  and  [nternal-Revenue  services  and  Tinted 
States  courts. 

Since  it  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipts  have  increased  from 
about  $10,000  to  Sl^.I^.UW)  in  the  fiscal  year  ended  dune  :?o.  isW.  In 
lhito  the  population  of  the  city  was  N.tioT.  and  in  l!»ou  it  WOB  Ll,860. 


HISTORY  OF  PT'ULIC  BUILDINGS. 


543 


I'OUKT-HOrSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  SIOUX  FALLS.  S.  DAK. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Twelfth  street 
and  Phillips  avenue,  on  a  site  150  feet  Bquare,  and  bounded  on  the 
north  by  the  former  and  on  the  west  by  the  latter. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  September  2.">.  1891,  for  the  sum 
of  &S.0OO.  Contracts  were  awarded  January  2>>.  1*1*2,  for  excavation 
and  temporary  drainage,  and  September  lf>.  1892,  for  the  erection  of 
the  building.  The  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  May  12,  lv-'">. 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $157,017. 

It  is  constructed  of  purple  granite  quarried  at  Ka-t  Sioux  Falls. 
S.  Dak.,  contains  a  space  of  442. s33  cubic  feet,  and  i-  heated  by  steam 
from  two  boilers.  There  are  fourteen  rooms  occupied,  they  being 
assigned  to  the  Postal  Service  and  United  States  court-. 

The  act  of  Congress  authorizing  the  building  was  approved  January 
2t>,  1891,  and  those  making  appropriat  ion  -  on  it  -  account  were  appr< »ved 
March  8,  1891.  August  .'».  LS!»2.  March  ls'XJ,.  August  23,  L894,  and 
June  1 1.  1896,  (bathroom,  etc.). 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipt-  aggregated 
about  £20,000  annually,  and  during  the  year  ended  June  80,  1899,  they 
were  £2N. 727. o:>,.  In  l.SHO  the  population  of  the  city  was  1". 177.  and 
in  1900  it  was  10,266. 


544 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  Pl'KLIC  BUILDINGS. 


545 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  BRISTOL  TENX. 

Under  authority  contained  in  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  1, 
18!)!),  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  accepted  as  a  donation  from  the 
city  of  Bristol,  Tenn.,  for  the  erection  and  maintenance  thereon  of  a 
public  building,  a  lot  of  ground  described  in  the  deed  as  follows: 
"Lying  and  being  in  the  city  of  Bristol,  seventeenth  civil  district  of 
Sullivan  County,  State  of  Tennessee,  on  the  south  side  of  Shelby 
street,  beginning  at  the  intersection  of  said  street  and  of  Caldwell 
alley,  and  running  thence  west  with  Shelby  street  1  l'.">  feet  to  the  Carr 
property;  thence  south  with  the  line  of  said  Carr  property  174}  feet 
(157  feet  6  inches  by  survey)  to  Crumley  alley;  thence  east  with  slid 
last  named  alley  125  feet  to  Caldwell  alley,  and  thence  north  with  -aid 
Caldwell  alley  174|  feet  (157  feet  *>  inches)  to  the  beginning,  contain- 
ing one-half  of  an  acre,  more  or  less,  and  known  as  the  Market  House 
lot."  The  deed  of  this  property  was  recorded  May  9,  Is'.''.1.  Subse- 
quently a  street  was  cut  through  on  the  Carr  property  thus  making 
public  thoroughfares  on  the  four  sides  of  the  Government  lot.  Shelby 
street  having  a  width  of  42  feet.  Crumley  alley  •_'.">  feet,  and  the  east 
and  west  passageways  each  30  feet. 

An  appropriation  of  S25. 00(1  on  account  of  construction  wa-  made 
by  an  act  of  March  3,  IS!)'.),  which  was  supplemented  in  a  like  amount 
by  an  act  approved  dune  •'),  L900.  After  the  approval  of  sketch  plans 
by  the  proper  Government  officials  us  required  by  law.  working  draw- 
ings and  specifications  were  prepared,  and  a  contract  for  the  erection  of 
the  building  entered  into  October  21,  1899,  the  structure  being  prac- 
tically completed  and  occupied  by  the  post-otfice  officials  in  the  latter 
part  of  December,  1900.  There  still  remain,  however,  some  minor 
items  to  be  completed  in  the  supply  of  the  -team  heating  apparatus, 
laying  of  sidewalks,  etc..  and  a  request  was  submitted  to  Congress 
Under  date  of  December  17.  1900,  for  an  additional  appropriation  of 
$5,000  for  the  completion  of  this  work. 

The  building  covers  an  area  of  4.">  by  83  feet  and  is  inclosed  by  gray 
and  redbrick  walls  trimmed  with  terra  cotta  and  with  a  tin  roof,  The 
post-office  occupies  the  entire  first  floor,  which  floor  is  finished  gener- 
ally in  marble  and  oak  and  i>  equipped  with  two  fireproof  vaults.  At 
the  northeast  corner  is  located  the  stair  hall,  which  is  approached  from 
the  Shelby  street  corridor  and  direct  from  the  outside  by  an  entrance 
at  the  east  end  on  Caldwell  alley.  The  second  and  third  floors  are  laid 
off  in  office  rooms  of  the  ordinary  si/e.  with  exception  of  a  large  room 
designed  for  a  United  States  commissioner's  court  and  extending 
through  both  stories. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  Is.!*!',  the  postal  receipts  at  Bristol 
amounted  to  $13,777.3S.  By  the  census  of  l!>oo  the  population  of  the 
tow  n  is  5.271. 

12242—01  35 


546 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  Bl'ILDIXUS. 


547 


COCKT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  CHATTANOOCA.  TENN. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  25.  lss.o.  authorized  this 
building,  and  limited  the  cost  of  the  same  to  sIiio.ikmi.  which  sum  was 
appropriated  by  an  act  of  August  4.  1ns»>.  This  limit  was  extended  by 
act  of  February  21.  18ST.  to  $200,000.  and  again  by  act  of  April  23, 
lsss.  to  £275, (too.  Other  acts  appropriating  funds  for  the  erection  and 
completion  of  the  building  were  approved  March  3,  1887,  and  March  2. 
lS.s'.t. 

The  site  was  donated  to  the  United  States  November  29,  L887.  It 
is  1 7r>  by  150  feet,  located  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Eleventh  and 
A  streets,  fronting  south  175  feet  on  the  former,  and  is  bounded  on 
the  north  and  west  by  two  unnamed  public  streets.  'M)  and  5<»  feet  wide, 
respectively.  A  street  is  50  feet  and  Eleventh  street  60  feel  in  width. 
The  main  facade  of  the  building  is  on  Kleventh  street. 

A  contract  was  awarded  December  11.  l.ss.s,  for  the  election  of  the 
building.  Soon  after  excavations  were  commenced  a  change  in  the 
giade  of  adjoining  streets  was  decided  upon  by  the  city,  which  neces- 
sitated lowering  the  foundations.  It  was  also  then  decided  to  add  :i 
one-story  extension  about  4<»  by  50  feet  on  the  north  or  rear  of  the  main 
building  for  the  post-office  working  room.  With  these  changes  the 
building  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  1N!»:>.  the  cosl  of  con- 
struction being  £274.74o.21 

The  building,  which  is  constructed  of  East  Tennessee  marble,  has 
a  cubic  contents  of  601,854  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  pro- 
vided with  an  electric  passenger  elevator.  Thirty-four  rooms  are 
assigned,  which,  together  with  the  first  floor,  are  occupied  principally 
by  the  postal,  internal-revenue,  and  customs  services.  United  States 
courts,  pension  examiner,  post-office  inspector-.  Weather  Bureau, 
and  Chickamauga  Park  Commission. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  80,  L899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $124,808.10.  The  population  has  increased  from  2!»,l00 
in  L890  to  30,154  in  L900. 

The  building  is  erected  on  what  is  known  ;i-  the  Stone  Fort,  which 
was  occupied  during  the  civil  war  by  a  Federal  battery,  and  formed 
a  part  of  the  breastworks  erected  by  the  Federal  force-  during  the 
siege  of  Chattanooga. 


548 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


549 


POST-OFFICE,  CLARKSVILLE,  TEXN. 

This  building1  was  authorized  hy  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March 
3.  L891,  which  limited  the  cost  to  $35,000.  This  limit  was  extended  to 
$5(1. (Mio  hy  an  act  of  August  18.  lsi»4.  Appropriations  for  the  build- 
ing were  made  by  acts  of  August  5,  1<S!»"2.  March  3.  ls;»3,  and  March 
2,  1805.  The  site,  which  is  110  by  L1Q  feet,  and  is  located  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Commerce  and  Second  streets,  was  purchased 
May  26,  1894,  for  the  sum  of  $0,135.41. 

August  10,  1S!>7,  a  contract  was  entered  into  for  the  erection  of  the 
building.  It  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $43.<f33.!M>,  exclusive  of  site, 
and  occupied  December  11.  ls'.ts. 

The  main  front  is  on  Second  street.  The  building  i-  constructed  of 
brick,  with  terra-cotta  trimmings,  and  contain-  a  cubic  -pace  of 
lso.i'ui  feci.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat,  and  is  occupied  entirely 
by  the  postal  service. 

The  gross  revenues  from  the  po.st-olKce  during  the  year-  lv.»S  ;in,l 
1899 were  $12,466.40  and  £l3.o79.l27,  respectively.  The  population  of 
the  city  in  1S9U  was  7.!»24,  and  in  1900  it  was  9,431. 


550 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


551 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  JACKSON,  TENN. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May 
It*,  1^*2.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  November  %S-'>.  L883,  for 
the  sum  of  &*!,500,  and  is  hounded  on  the  east  and  wot.  each  107  feet, 
by  Market  and  Shannon  streets,  respectively,  on  the  south.  210  feet, 
by  Baltimore  street,  and  on  the  north,  210  feet,  by  an  alley.  A  con- 
tract for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  September  13,  L884, 
and  the  structure  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  custodian  December  I, 
ISM!.  It  was  not  finally  completed,  however,  until  1*88.  the  cost  of 
construction  being  $60,97t!.s7.  'The  appropriations  on  its  account  were 
made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  8,  L882,  March  8,  L883, 
March     1885,  May  1,  1886,  and  March  3,  1888. 

The  building  fronts  on  Baltimore  street  about  midway  between 
Shannon  and  Market  streets,  is  constructed  of  brick,  and  contains  a 
cubic  space  of  214,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  a  hot-water  apparatus 
and  open  orates,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service  and  United  State- 
courts. 

In  L887  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  ss.ooo.  and  during  the 
year  ended  June  30,  1899,  they  aggregated  *i:>,4o:5.7:.'.  In  LMHJ  the 
population  of  the  city  was  10,039,  and  in  1900  it  was  14,511. 


< 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDING8. 


553 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  KNOXYILLE,  TENN, 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  is.  1  sr>»>.  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  made  an  appropriation  therefor,  which  appropriation  was 
revived  and  added  to  by  acts  of  March  3,  L869,  and  July  15,  ls7o. 
Under  dates  of  September  s.  1*70.  and  March  18,  L871,  the  site  was 
.secured  by  purchase  for  the  sum  of  &10.250.  It  fronts  north  14o  feet 
on  Clinch  avenue,  and  west  ltfo  feet  on  Prince  street,  being  bounded 
on  the  east  by  an  alley.  Building  operations  were  commenced  in 
1871,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  ls74.  the  cost 
of  construction  being  &3H8,"2!*3.12. 

Additional  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Con- 
gress approved  March  3.  1S71 .  May  is.  1*72.  March  8,  1*73.  and  June 
28,  L874  (furniture). 

The  building  is  of  Kast  Tennessee  marble,  and  ha-  a  cubic  contents 
of  547,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  provided  w  ith  a  hydrau- 
lic passenger  elevator.  Twenty-one  rooms  are  occupied,  they  being 
assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal  revenue  services,  United 
States  courts,  and  pension  office. 

During  the  year  ended  June  80,  ls'.r.t,  the  gross  internal-revenue 
and  postal  receipts  amounted  to  &4!N),l>:5.">.47  and  s7i».»>"21.33,  respec- 
tively. In  1870  the  population  of  the  city  was  8,682,  and  in  1900  it 
was  32,637. 


554  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  <>K   ITHLIC  BUILDINGS. 


555 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  COURT-HOUSE.  AND  POST-OFFICE.  MEMPHIS.  TENS. 

In  pursuance  of  in  act  <>f  Congress  approved  March  3,  1857,  a  i>lot  of  ground  on  the 
southeast  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Third  streets  was  purchased  .June  0,  lStiO.  for 
$15,000,  as  a  site  for  a  court-house  and  post-olfice. 

An  act  of  February  21,  1873,  authorized  the  sale  of  this  lot  and  the  application  of 
the  proceeds,  with  $25,000  additional,  toward  the  purchase  of  a  more  suitable  site, 
also  the  preparation  of  plans  and  estimates  for  a  custom-house,  court-house,  and  post- 
Office.  The  estimated  value  of  the  old  lot  was  $15,(K)<),  and  the  sum  that  would  be 
available  for  the  new  site  was  considered  inadequate.  The  city  offered  to  donate  the 
present  site,  which  offer  was  accepted  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  23,  1878, 
the  deed  to  the  property  being  executed  June  29,  1*70.  This  act  also  reauthorized 
the  sale  of  the  old  lot.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  August  25,  1870,  but, 
owing  to  an  error  in  the  description  of  the  land,  operations  were  sus]>ended  {tending 
further  legislation,  which  was  made  by  an  act  .if  February  27,  1K77.  This  act  fixed 
the  boundaries  of  the  land  at  304.25  feet  on  the  west  line  of  Front  street,  and  300 feet 
deep,  extending  from  an  alley  on  the  north  to  an  alley  on  the  south,  and  retroccded 
to  the  city  such  land  outside  these  boundaries  as  had  been  granted  to  the  United 
States.  This  act  also  revoked  that  portion  of  the  act  of  May  23,  1870,  which  author- 
ized the  sale  of  the  old  lot,  and  this  lot  was,  tinder  authority  of  an  act  of  December 
23,  1882,  ce(led  to  the  city  of  Memphis.  In  May,  1  s 7 7 ,  operations  were  resumed  in 
excavating  and  laying  foundations.  In  1879  work  was  delayed  on  account  of  yellow 
fever,  and  in  1880  by  reason  of  the  contractors  for  the  supply  of  Tennessee  marble 
for  the  superstructure  abandoning  the  work,  necessitating  the  awarding  of  a  new  con- 
tract. Considerable  difficulty  was  encountered  in  securing  marble  in  sufficient  quan- 
tities, this  material  being  specified  by  an  act  of  June  2«.  1878,  and  the  completion 
and  occupation  of  the  structure  was  not  effected  until  the  summer  of  1SS5.  The  c  ost 
of  the  building,  including  approaches,  amounted  to  $520,500.  A  retaining  wall  was 
constructed  along  the  river  front  of  the  lot  at  a  cost  of  $50,000. 

The  building,  which  is  located  on  a  bluff  overlooking  tin-  Mississippi  Kiver  on  the 
west,  about  midway  between  the  north  and  south  limits  of  the  I. it.  face-  east  on 
Front  street.  Madison  street,  which  extends  cast  and  west  and  terminates  in  front 
ol  the  building,  is  an  approach  thereto. 

The  building  has  a  c  ubic  contents  of  803.400  feet,  and  is  divided  into  twenty-nine 
rooms  oTi  the  first,  second,  and  third  floors.  The  first  Hoor  is  occupied  entirely  by 
the  post-office,  the  second  floor  principally  by  the  customs  service,  light-house  board, 
inspectors  of  boilers  and  hulls,  and  the  district  court,  and  the  third  tlocir  entirely  by 
the  circuit  court  and  court  otliccrs.  The  building  is  heated  by  a  hot-water  System 
and  Is  equipped  with  passenger  and  freight  elevator  service. 

The  appropriations  on itB  account  were  approved  February  21,  ls73,  June  23,  1*7-1, 
July  31,  1876,  March  3,  1S77,  June  20.  ls7s.  March  3.  1879,  June  Hi,  L880,  March  3, 
1881,  August  7,  1882,  March  .'!,  1883.  and  July  7,  1884.  During  1893  certain  improve- 
ments were  made  to  the  grounds  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000,  under  authority  uf  an  act 
of  March  3.  1891;  and  July  13,  1800.  a  proposal  was  accepted,  in  amount  $1,685,  for 
the  installation  of  a  clock  in  the  tower,  the  appropriation  tor  the  same  being  made 
by  an  act  of  March  3,  1S00. 

The  customs  duties  collected  at  this  port  during  the  years  ended  June  30,  |ss5 
and  1800,  amounted  to  $0,727  and  $28,201,  respectively,  and  the  gros>  postal  re  c  eipts 
increased  from  $05,085  in  1880  to  $207,200.02  during  the  fiscal  year  1808-00.  In  1870 
the  population  of  the  city  was  40,220,  and  in  loon  it  was  102.320. 


556 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Nashville,  Tenn. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


557 


CUSTOM-HorSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  NASHVILLE.  TENN. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  August  is.  1  *."»»;.  authorized  a  custom- 
house  and  post-office  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  limited  the  cost  of  the 
building  to  >S!i.").ooo.  February  17.  Is57,  a  lot  was  purchased  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Spring  and  Cherry  streets,  for  *2i>.ooo.  hut  build- 
ing  operations  were  not  commenced,  and  the  sum  appropriated  for  the 
structure  was  turned  into  the  surplus  fund  in  L873.  duly  l»>.  IS 70, 
this  lot  was  exchanged  for  a  lot  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Broad  and 
Vine  streets,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  Fehruarv  24.  1870;  and 
under  dates  of  April  20,  L876,  and  dune  LI,  L877,  additional  land  was 
purchased  for  *ls..">«io.  thus  securing  for  the  Government  the  half 
block  fronting  northerly  on  Broad  street  33o  feet,  and  extending  hack 
feel  along  Vine  street  on  the  east,  and  Spruce  street  on  the  west 
to  an  alley.  The  additional  land  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  March 
15,  L8T6. 

Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  ls7<i  and  the  structure  was 
completed  and  occupied  April  1 .  1 882.  I  hiring  the  following  year  the 
approaches  were  completed,  making  the  total  cost,  excepting  *ite. 
$404,684.44 

Legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  August  IS.  1  >..">•'.. 
February  24.  IS~0,  January  24,  IS73,  March  M.  Is7:!.  dune  28,  1n74. 
March  L5,  L876,  March  3,  1S77.  April  80,  187S,  dune  20.  ls7s.  March 
3,  L879,  June  16,  L880,  March  3,  L881,  August  7.  1882  (approach.-, 
etc.).  and  March  30,  lsss  (elevator). 

The  building  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Broad  and  Vine  streets, with 
public  entrances  from  both,  that  shown  m  the  accompanying  illustra- 
tion being  in  the  Broad  street  front.  South  Carolina  granite  is  used 
in  the  basement  walls  and  the  superstructure  is  of  limestone  from 
Bowling  Green,  Ky. 

The  building  contains  a  space  of  1,098,500  cubic  feet,  and  i>  heated 
by  hot  water  (direct  and  indirect  radiation).  The  first  and  thii'd  floors 
are  occupied  hy  the  post-office  and  United  States  courts,  respectively, 
and  the  second  floor  principally  by  the  customs  and  internal-revenue 
services,  steamboat  inspectors,  and  pension  examiners.  At  the  left 
of  the  Vine  street  entrance  there  is  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator 
connecting  with  all  the  floors  in  the  huilding. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  years  ended  June  30,  lSS2,and 
ls!»;i,  amounted  to  &I2,253.71  and  £205,879.21,  respectively.  The 
internal-revenue  collections  have  increased  from  £777.">'.to. 72  in  lss-2 
to  91,760,456.36  during  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1900.  In  L880  the 
population  of  the  city  was  43,350,  and  in  l'JOO  it  was  SO.S05. 


558 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    <»K    l't/RLIC  BITLDINCis. 


559 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  AUSTIN,  TEX. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Colorado  and 
East  Sixth  streets.  The  site  which  has  a  frontage  of  1  x4  feet  west 
on  Colorado  street,  and  so  feet  south  on  Sixth  street.  was  secured 
August  1.  1*77.  by  donation.  Building  operation-  were  commenced 
January  L878,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
November  lssl.  the  cost  of  construction  being  *1  s.",.7r,7.;,;_\  The  walls 
of  the  superstructure  are  faced  with  white  limestone  secured  in  the 
vicinity  of  Austin. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  act- of 
Congress  approved  March  3,  L877,  June  20,  L878,  June  1»'>.  L880,  and 
March  3,  L881.  The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  410,000  feet. 
The  number  of  room-  occupied,  beside-  the  first  floor,  i-  sixteen, 
assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services  and 
the  United  State-  court-.  It  is  heated  by  hot  air  furnace  and  open 
grates. 

Since  the  occupation  of  the  building,  the  internal-revenue  and  postal 
receipts  have  increased  from  about  s.sl.ooo  and  s:il.ooo  per  annum  to 
$1,003,727.14  and  $52,479.12  respectively,  in  the  year  ended  .June  30, 
ls'.t'.t.  In  lsso  the  population  of  the  city  was  LI, 013  and  in  L900  it 
was  22,258. 


560 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    OF   PlliLIC  KITLDINOS. 


561 


COl'M'-HOUSE,  (TSTUM-llOlSE,  AND  POST-OFFICE.  BROWNSVILLE,  TEX. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  August 
8,  lsss.  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  October  2.  lsss.  and  March 
1891. 

The  site,  which  is  on  the  east  corner  of  Tenth  and  Elizabeth  streets, 
with  a  frontage  of  120  feet  northwest  on  the  former  and  l.v>  feet 
southwest  on  the  latter,  was  donated  by  the  city  of  Brownsville,  it  hav- 
ing been  condemned  by  the  I'nited  States,  and  the  award,  which  \\a> 
in  amount  $3,850,  paid  by  the  city.  The  land  was  secured  February 
21,  1890. 

A  contract  was  awarded  March  24.  1891,  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  October  4, 
ls;»2,  the  cost  of  construction  being1  $54,711.9*1. 

The  building  has  a  cubic  contents  of  217. S4s  feet.  The  rirst  tloor  is 
Occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services,  the  former  being  located 

in  the  northwest  pavilion,  with  public  entrances  to  the  lobby  direct 
from  Tenth  and  Elizabeth  streets.  On  this  latter  street  there  are  also 
two  additional  public  entrances  to  the  building,  the  middle  one.  shown 
in  the  illustration  on  the  opposite  page,  leading  into  the  quarters  occu- 
pied by  the  customs  officials,  and  that  in  the  south  tower  opening  into 
the  stair  hall  communicating  with  the  second  story,  which  is  occupied 
by  the  United  States  courts  and  court  officers,  and  with  the  quarters 
of  the  local  observer  of  the  Weather  Bureau  above. 

During  the  years  ended  dune  30,  1893,  and  dune  30,  1900,  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to  $3,279. »59  and  $4,477.(52.  respectively.     In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  6,134,  and  in  L900  it  was  6,305. 
12242—01  36 


562 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Dallas,  Tex. 


HISTORY   OF  PUHLK"  HTILDINfiS. 


503 


roi'RT-HorSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC.,  DALLAS,  TEX. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  coiner  of  Krvav  and  ( lommerce  Btreets 
on  a  plot  of  "round  fronting  west  2<»o  feet  on  the  former,  south  L20 
feet  on  the  latter,  and  north  120  feet  on  Main  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  August  7.  [S8?>.  for  111, 000, 
$2,000  of  this  amount  having  been  donated  by  the  citizens  of  Dallas. 

A  contract  for  the  masonry  of  the  superstructure  was  awarded  .May 
23,  1885,  and  the  building  as  originally  constructed  wa-  completed  and 
occupied  in  October,  INNS,  the  cost  of  construction  being  *1 29,205.64. 
This  structure  has  a  frontage  of  NO  feet  on  Krvav  street  and  is  partially 
shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration.  It  has  a  public  entrance  also 
on  the  Main  street  side,  which  is  54  feet  from  the  lot  line.  A  contract 
for  the  erection  of  the  extension,  which  consists  of  the  pavilion  on 
the  south,  fronting  on  Commerce  street,  wa-  awarded  December  15. 
1802.  and  the  addition  was  completed  and  occupied  in  January,  L894, 
the  cost  of  the  same  being  £150.000. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  a-  now  completed  is  con- 
tained in  acts  of  Congress  approved  duly  7.  1NN2,  August  7.  h^:'. 
March  3,  L883,  March  3,  ins:,.  May  17.  L886,  March  3,  L887,  March 
30,  1888,  and  March     L89J  (extension). 

It  contains  a  cubic  space  of  350,000  feet,  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is 
provided  with  electric  passenger  elevator  service.  Besides  the  first 
floor,  which  IS  used  entirely  by  the  post-ollice,  the  number  of  rooms 
occupied  is  twenty-two,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
internal-revenue,  and  secret  services.  United  States  court-,  and  pen- 
sion examiners. 

The  internal-revenue  receipts  during  the  years  ended.Iune  30,  L888 
and  lN'.t'.t.  were  about  *!»:'.. 45n  and  £574.  bid. 45,  respectively.  1  Miring 
the  fiscal  years  1NNN-NK  and  lN!)N-!»!»,  the  postal  receipts  aggregated 
$79,404.21  and  £lt>5,21ti.2N,  respectively.  The  population  of  the  city 
in  1NN0,  was  10,358,  in  1890,  38,067,  and  in  L900,  42,638. 


564 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House,  Post-Office,  and  Couet-House,  El  Paso,  Tex. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


5(55 


(TSTOM-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE,  AND  COURT-HOUSE,  EL  PASO,  TEX. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  east  cornel'  of  St.  Louis  and  Oregon 
streets,  on  a  site  fronting  northwest  L05  feet  od  the  former  and  south- 
west 175  feet  on  the  latter.  The  ground  was  purchased  February  Is. 
1887,  for  the  sum  of  $12,000,  $2,000 of  this  amount  being  paid  by  the 
citizens  of  Kl  Paso. 

Work  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  January  7.  L889, 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  L893,  the  cost  of 
construction  being  &1!H>,624.06.  The  legislation  on  it-  account  was 
approved  dune  80,  188*5.  August  4.  ISSG,  March  L887,  and  March 
24,  1890. 

The  building  is  constructed  on  a  stone  foundation  and  of  brick, 
with  stone  trimmings,  in  the  superstructure  walls:  has  a  cubic  con- 
tents of  548.0(10  feet,  is  heated  by  steam  and  hot-air  systems,  and  i- 
provided  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.  The  number  of  rooms 
occupied  is  twenty,  they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal, 
customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.  I'nited  State-  court-,  immi- 
gration inspector,  special  agent  Bureau  of  Animal  [ndustry,  and 
Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  years  ended  dune  30,  1X!»3,  and  dune  :',o.  Is:*'.),  the  postal 
receipts  amounted  to &lN,5t>N.7s  and  #25.4!»!».7!»,  respectively.  In  L890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  L0,338,  and  in  L900  it  wa-  1.5,906. 


HI8TORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


567 


POST-OFFICE,  FORT  WORTH,  TEX, 

The  site  of  this  Imilding  i>  the  block  bounded  on  the  north  1H4  feet 
by  West  Eleventh  street,  <>n  the  Bouth  194  feet  by  Texas  street,  <>n  the 
cast  1»>5  tVot  by  Jennings  avenue,  and  on  the  west  L65  feel  by  Monroe 
street.  It  was  secured  by  purchase  October  s.  1891,  for  the  sum  of 
$10,000.  A  contract  for  trench  excavation,  concrete  foundation,  base- 
ment walls,  etc.,  was  awarded  February  •  '>.  1892,  and  the  building  was 
completed  and  occupied  in  the  latter  part  of  1896,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  $204,281.19. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  2,  1889,  authorized  the  erection 
of  the  building,  and  fixed  the  limit  of  COSt,  which  limit  was  extended 
by  acts  of  duly  9,  1890,  and  August  18,  1894.  Appropriation-  were 
made  by  acts  of  August  Ho.  ls'.io.  March  H.  lv.U.  and  March  i\  |s'.C.. 

The  building,  which  front-  on  Jennings  avenue,  i-  constructed  of 
red  sandstone,  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  678,000  feet.  It  i-  sup- 
plied with  steam  heat  and  equipped  with  electric  elevator  service. 
Twenty-one  rooms  are  occupied,  assigned  mainly  to  the  postal  and 
internal-revenue  service-.  United  State-  court  -,  and  Weather  Bureau. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  .''.u.  Is; til.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $65,508.34.  In  1890,  the  population  of  the  city  was  23,076,  and  in 
1900  it  wa-  26,688. 


568 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  (New),  Galveston,  Tex. 


HISTORY   OF   PI'BLIC  BUILDINGS. 


r,<;«) 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  (NEW),  GALVESTON,  TEX. 

The  now  custom-house  at  Galveston,  Tex.,  Ls  located  on  a  half 
block  bounded  on  the  north  feet  by  Avenue  F,  on  the  south  by  a 
20-foot  alley,  and  on  the  east  and  west  L20  feet  each  by  Twenty-fifth 
and  Twenty-sixth  streets,  respectively.  The  facade-  shown  in  the 
illustration  are  on  Avenue  F  and  Twenty-fifth  street. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  under  dates  of  December  7. 
1883.  and  August  IT.  L885,  for  the  sum  of  (30,000.  A  contract  for 
the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  May  1»>.  Inns,  and  the  struc- 
ture was  completed  and  occupied  in  L891,  the  cost  of  construction 
being  1244,511.39. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  May  25.  1882,  August  7.  L882,  duly  7.  L884,  March  3, 
duly  30,  1886,  August  4.  1886,  March  3,  L887,  October  2,  L888,  and 
August  L894  (elevator).  The  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick 
and  red  sandstone,  with  tcrra-cotta  trimmings,  and  has  a  cubic  con- 
tents of  715.H53  feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  elect  ric- 
elevator  service.  Besides  the  first  floor,  which  i-  used  entirely  by  the 
postal  service,  nineteen  rooms  are  occupied,  assigned  mainly  to  the 
customs  service,  United  States  courts,  immigration  inspector-,  steam - 
boat-inspection  service,  and  special  agent  of  the  Treasury. 

In  1N!»1  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  (71,434.10,  and  during  the 
year  ended  dime  30,  1900,  they  were  $90,479.58.  The  yearly  average 
of  the  value  of  exports  and  imports  entered  at  the  port  of  Galveston 
from  1SS5  to  1899  was  (35,287,321,  and  ^'.•iM.4^7  per  annum,  respec- 
tively. In  ls'.tii  the  population  of  the  city  was  :.".». os4.  and  in  1900  it 
was  37,789. 

During  the  storm  which  visited  Galve8ton  on  the  afternoon  and 
night  of  September  8,  1900,  the  stability  of  this  building  was  sub- 
jected to  a  severe  test,  which  it.  together  with  the  depot  of  the  Santa 
Fe  Railroad  Company,  resisted  more  successfully  than  any  other 
structure  in  the  city.  This  may  be  attributed  largely  to  the  plenti- 
ful spread  of  footings,  water-tight  concrete  floors,  and  other  precau- 
tions taken  to  keep  floods  from  the  foundations,  and  to  tin'  quality  of 
cement  used  in  the  work.  It  was  not  materially  damaged,  other  than 
slate,  ridges,  gutters,  etc..  carried  away,  and  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  plastering  destroyed.  The  water  stood  in  the  basement  at  a  height 
of  i>  feet  2  inches  for  live  day-,  until  it  was  pumped  out  by  tire  engines. 

The  building  served  as  a  place  of  refuge,  and  saved  the  live-  of 
thousands  of  people,  it  being  tilled  to  the  tower.  During  the  months 
of  desolation  and  suffering  which  followed  it  wa-  used  a-  a  general 
hospital. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


.",71 


CUSTOM-HOUSK  0>LD).  (JALVESTOX,  TEX. 

This  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  August  4.  ls.">4.  It  is  located  on  the  southeast 
corner  of  Avenue  K  and  Twentieth  street,  00  a  site  fronting  north  140 
feet  on  the  former,  west  120  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the 
south  by  an  alley.  The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  .January  8, 
lN5ti.  for  the  sum  of  £tf,000.  and  the  building  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied in  1858,  the  cost  of  construction  heing  £los.: :>,.V.t. s-j.  The  huilding 
is  constructed  of  brick,  with  cast-iron  trimmings,  and  contains  a  cubic 
space  of  286,300  feet.  It  is  heated  by  open  grates  and  provided  with 
a  freight  elevator.  The  Dumber  of  rooms  is  fifteen,  assigned  princi* 
pally  to  the  customs,  internal-revenue,  and  life-saving  services. 

In  1870  the  population  of  the  city  was  L3,818,  and  in  I'.'""'  it  was 
37,789. 

During  the  storm  which  visited  ( Jul  vc>ton  September  B,  L900,  the 
building  was  considerably  damaged,  the  roof  being  carried  aw  a  v. 
balustrade  and  chimneys  blown  down,  plastering  destroyed,  etc.  The 
water  rose  to  a  height  of  S  feet  from  the  sidewalk  line,  but  did  not 
affect  the  stability  of  the  structure. 


572 


HISTORY  OF   "PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


7" 


■ 


Post-Office,  etc.,  Houston,  Tex. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  HOUSTON,  TEX. 

The  post-office,  etc.,  building  at  Houston.  Tex..  Bhown  in  the  accom- 
panying illustration,  is  situated  on  the  south  corner  of  Fannin  and 
Franklin  streets,  on  a  site  fronting  northwest  1-J">  feet  on  the  former 
and  northeast  loo  feet  on  the  latter. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  October  %J'K  1887,  for  the  sum 
of  #7.000.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  entered 
into  .June  ti.  L888,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in 
the  early  part  of  1N91,  the  cost  of  construction  being  (82,550.73. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  'J4. 
L887,  and  was  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3.  iss7.  October  -2, 
L888,  and  April  lf>.  lsuo.  The  building  is  constructed  of  red  brick 
trimmed  with  red  sandstone  and  terra  cotta.  and  contain-  a  cubic  space 
of  242,417 feet.  It  is  provided  with  steam  heat  and  is  Occupied  prin- 
cipally by  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  services. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L899,  the  postal  receipts  aggivyatod 
$96,396.56.  In  I890the  population  of  the  city  was  27,557,  and  in  1900 
it  was  44,033. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


COCBT-HOUBE  AND  POST-OFFIGE,  JEFFERSON,  Tex. 


HISTORY    OF   PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


575 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  JEFFERSON.  TEX. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Feb 
ruary  !).  1887,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  •'».  lss7,  October 
2,  1888,  and  March  3,  lsui  (outstanding  liabilities).  The  site  vraa 
donated  to  the  United  States  September  '.».  1SH7.  and  i-  bounded  on  the 
south  100  feet  by  Austin  street,  on  the  west  150  feet  by  Market  street, 
and  on  the  north  by  a  20-foot  alley.  Building  operations  were  coin- 
meneed  under  a  contract  awarded  April  27.  L888,  and  the  structure 
was  completed  and  occupied  April  1.  1890,  the  cost  of  construction 
being  952,607.21. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  brick  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of 
283. 53(5  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  serv- 
ice and  United  State-  court-,  the  Dumber  of  room-  assigned  being 

twelve. 

During  the  year  ended  .June  30.  IS1»5»,  the  gross  postal  receipt- 
amounted  to  (3,384.1 ">.").  In  1890  the  population  of  the  city  wa-  8,072, 
and  in  1900  it  was  2,850. 


576 


HISTOEY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House  and  Post-Office,  Paris,  Tex. 


HISTORY   OF   PUBLIC  BUILDING*). 


577 


COl'KT-HOrSK  AND  POST-OFFICE.  PARIS,  TEX. 

This  building  is  Located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Church  street 
and  Lamar  avenue,  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  <>n  the  west  216  feet 
by  the  former,  on  the  south  14o  feet  by  the  latter,  and  on  the  north 
14<>  feet  by  Houston  street. 

The  land  was  secured  June  11.  iS'.ll,  partially  by  donation  and 
partially  by  purchase,  the  purchase  price  being $1,550. 

A  contract  was  awarded  .March  -J'K  L892,  for  the  general  excavation, 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  February,  1  >'.».">.  the 
cost  of  construction  being  $102,383.15. 

It  is  constructed  of  red  hrick  with  red  sandstone  trimmings  and 
has  a  cubic  contents  of  :!4»>.l74  feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  by 
the  postal  service,  and  the  second,  third,  and  part  of  the  fourth  by  the 
United  States  courts.  The  building  is  equipped  with  a  -team  heating 
apparatus  operated  by  two  boilers  and  is  provided  with  passenger- 
elevator  service. 

The  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  July 
9,  1890,  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  30,  L890,  March  3, 
1891,  and  March  2,  1S!»5  (elevator). 

During  the  year  ended  June  :'><>.  1  !»<)(),  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $17,"><3S.74.  In  IS'.H)  the  population  of  the  city  was  8,254,  and  in 
1900  it  was  9,358. 

12242—01  37 


578 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


COURT-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE.  SAN  ANTONIO.  TEX. 

This  building  fronts  south  on  Alamo  Plaza,  and  is  bounded  on  the 
east  by  Avenue  E  and  on  the  west  by  Avenue  I). 

The  site  was  secured  January  15.  Iss7.  by  purchase  for  (24,000.  It 
is  somewhat  irregular  in  shape,  the  south  frontage  being  15o  feet,  the 
east  and  west  lines  each  2<mi  feet,  and  the  north  line  about  ^5<>  feet. 

A  contract  was  awarded  December  29,  1887,  for  the  masonry  of  the 
foundations  and  basement  walls,  and  the  building  was  completed  and 
occupied  about  August.  1  Nl»i  i.  the  cost  of  construction  being $185,219. 25. 
It  is  constructed  of  limestone,  with  entrance  steps,  platforms,  sills,  etc.. 
of  granite,  and  contains  a  space  of  588,800  cubic  feet.  Besides  the  first 
floor,  which  is  assigned  entirely  to  the  post-office,  there  are  seventeen 
rooms  occupied  principally  by  the  United  States  courts  and  the  customs, 
internal-revenue,  and  railway  mail  services.  The  building  i-  heated  by 
steam  from  one  boiler  and  open  fireplace-,  and  is  provided  with  a 
hydraulic  passenger  elevator. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress 
approved  April  15,  is$<>.  and  April  4.  L890. 

During  the  year  ended  June  Ho.  [SW,  the  postal  receipt-  aggregated 
tW2,202.C>l.  In  LSiKJ  the  population  of  the  city  was  :57.<',7:{.  and  in  1900 
it  was  5:5.821. 


580 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS 


581 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  TYLER,  TEX. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Bois  d'Arc  and 
West  Ferguson  streets  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  ISO  feet  on 
the  former,  and  south  120  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land  was  secured 
by  purchase  March  2.  lSSti,  for  sfio'.oOO,  and  the  building  was  com- 
menced in  the  latter  part  of  that  year,  and  completed  and  occupied  in 
1889,  the  cost  of  construction  being  (50,008.47. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  14.  L885, 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  :!.  L885,  August  4.  lss»>.  Octo- 
ber  2,  18NS,  and  March  2.  lssit.  The  cubic  content- of  the  building 
are  l!»l,8*iS  feet,  and  it  is  heated  by  steam  and  open  fireplaces.  The 
number  of  rooms  occupied  is  eight,  they  being  assigned  to  the  post- 
office  and  courf  8. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipt-  amounted 
to  about  $8,000  annually.  During  the  year  ended  June  :i<  >.  L899,  they 
were  $14,491.89.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  town  was  6,908,  and 
in  l!too  it  was  S.OG'.t. 


582 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Couht-House,  F< ist-Office,  etc.,  Waco,  Tex. 


HISTORY   <>F   IM'HLIC  BUILDINGS. 


r>s:5 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  WACO,  TEX. 

The  site  of  this  building  is  <>n  the  southeast  corner  <>f  Franklin  and 
Fourth  streets,  fronting  north  liC>  feet  on  the  former  and  west  L»i."> 
feet  on  the  latter. 

The  land  was  secured  b\  purchase  June  1>>S.">.  for  $10,000,  and 
the  building  was  commenced  early  in  the  following  year.  It  was 
occupied  in  January,  L888,  and  finally  completed  in  L889,  the  cosi  of 
construction  being  $!*iS,414.17.  The  appropriations  on  its  account 
were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  January  18,  1885,  August  t, 
1886,  October  L9,  1888,  and  March  2,  L889. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  344,689  feet,  and  is  heated  by 
steam  and  open  fireplaces.  The  number  of  rooms  Occupied  is  thir- 
teen, they  being  assigned  principally  to  the  post-office  and  United 
States  courts. 

When  the  building  was  first  occupied  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  about  s:;o.( ii hi  annually.  During  the  year  ended  June  80,  1  B99,  they 
aggregated  £47,658.55.  In  L890the  population  of  the  city  was  1.4,445, 
and  in  L900  it  was  20,686. 


584 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


5  sr. 


CUSTOM-HW'SE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  BURLINGTON,  VT. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  plot  of  ground  bounded  on  the  north 
222  foot  by  Main  street,  and  on  the  west  31*5  foot  hy  Church  street, 
which  was  secured  by  purchase  March  30,  Is.").").  for  the  sum  of  *7.7.">o. 
The  building  is  about  74  feet  from  Main  street  and  .">n  feet  from  Church 
street,  with  main  approach  from  the  latter.  It  was  completed  and 
occupied  in  ls.">7.  the  cost  being  !£44.714.!»l.  exclusive  of  site.  In 
18*)!)-70.  alterations,  etc..  were  made  at  a  cost  of  *lf>. 41  1. which 
consisted  of  changes  on  the  first  floor  and  adding  another  story  with 
mansard  roof. 

Its  cubic  contents  are  113,000  feet.  It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is 
occupied  by  the  postal  and  customs  services  and  the  United  States 
courts. 

Legislation  on  account  of  the  building  was  approved  August  I.  ls.">4. 
dune  12,  lNf)S.  and  dune  23.  1*74.  the  last  two  act-  being  lor 
approaches,  etc. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  for  the  year  ended  dune  30,  L899,  were 
&l  10,522.24.  When  this  building  was  constructed  the  population  of 
the  city  was  about  7,000;  in  1900  it  was  l,s.f,4o. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  February  22,  1 869,  authorized  t h"  Mate 
of  Vermont  to  construct  a  court-house  and  jail  on  the  custom-house 
lot,  upon  the  condition  that  the  State  permit  Inited  State-  courts  to  bo 
held  in  the  court-house  and  Cnited  State-  prisoners  to  be  confined  in 
the  jail.  This  building  was  completed  during  the  following  year,  and 
is  located  about  ."»o  feet  south  of  the  custom-house. 


586 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


r,,s7 


POST-OFFICE,  COrRT-HOl'SE.  ETC.  MONTPELIER,  VT. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3.  1SS."».  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  this  building,  and  on  September  iM .  LS85.  the  United  States 
secured  title  to  the  site  by  purchase  for  $15,000.  The  land  is  on  the 
north  side  of  State  street,  about  60  feet  west  from  Elm  street,  imme- 
diately west  of  the  county  court- house,  and  has  a  frontage  of  loU  feet. 
The  depth  of  the  lot  is  330  feet,  it  being  full  width  of  front  for  a  depth 
of  about  150  feet  and  the  remainder  91  feet  wide. 

The  building, was  commenced  in  L887and  completed  and  occupied 
.January  L,  1891,  the  cost  of  construction  being  (144,670.61.  The 
appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  I >y  acts  of  Congress  approved 
March  3,  L885,  August  4.  L886,  and  March  30,  L888. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  granite  for  the  basement  walls  and 
marble  for  the  superstructure,  and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  341,500  feet. 
It  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal  service  and  the  United  State- 
courts,  and  is  heated  by  steam  (direct  and  indirect  radiation)  supplied 
by  one  boiler. 

During  the  years  ended  .June  3<>,  isitl  and  L899,  the  gross  postal 
receipts  amounted  to $16,276.7]  and  $20,609.85,  respectively.  In  1890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  4,160  and  in  1900  it  was  6,266. 


HISTORY   (>F    ITBJJC  BUILDINGS. 


589 


COURT-HOUSI  AND  POST-OFFICE,  RUTLAND,  VT. 

The  site  of  this  building  is  on  tin*  northeast  corner  of  Court  and 
Center  streets,  flouting  V.i'2  feet  inches  west  on  the  former  and  l'."4 
feel  6  inches  south  on  the  latter. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  under  dates  of  duly  '!'■'<.  ls>.">7.  and 
May  is.  Ls;.v.i,  for  the  sum  of  $1,900,  and  the  building  was  completed 
during  the  latter  year,  the  COSt  of  construction  being  £7n.:J>-J4.4.'!.  It 
was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved 
August  18,  L866,  and  March  :J».  1  s."»7. 

It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings,  resting  on  a  foun- 
dation of  Vermont  granite  and  contains  a  space  of  186,000  cubic  feet. 

The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  post-otlice;  the  see  1  l»y  the  court 

room,  which  extends  through  the  third  story  and  is  marked  by  the 
three  pedimented  windows,  the  marshal's  office,  and  library;  the  third 
being  assigned  to  the  grand  jury  and  pension  examiner.  The  building 
is  supplied  with  steam  heat  from  one  boiler. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  L899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $32, 0tt4. 95.  In  L870  the  population  of  Rutland  was  !t.So4. 
and  in  L900  it  was  11,499. 


590 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY    <>K    IMKLIC  WILDINGS. 


(TSTOM-HOrSK  AND  POST-OFFICE,  ST.  ALBANS.  VT. 

The  custom-house  and  post-ollicc  al  St.  Albans,  Yt..  i-  located  on 
the  northeast  corner  of  Kingman  and  Foundry  streets.  The  site  wa> 
purchased  Juno  21.  l.s'.»2.  for  the  sum  of  &S.500.  and  comprises  a  tot 
fronting  west  132  feet  on  Foundry  street,  and  lot;  feet  deep,  being 
hounded  on  the  north  by  Center  street,  and  on  the  south  by  Kingman 
street. 

Cnder  date  of  March  11,  l^'.W,  a  contract  was  awarded  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  building  on  this  site,  and  the  structure  had  been  placed  under 
roof  and  substantia]  progress  made  in  the  interior  finish  when  it  was 
destroyed  by  fire  May  1!*.  ls'.t.~>.  The  legislation  on  account  of  build- 
ing and  site  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress  approved  January  26,  1 891, 
March  3,  1891,  and  March  3,  L893. 

Acts  of  dune  11.  1  si»»;.  and  duly  1!».  ls'.»7.  authorized  the  reconstruc- 
tion of  the  building  according  to  modified  plan-  and  a  contract  for  its 
erection  was  awarded  March  8,  1M'7.  the  structure  being  completed 
and  occupied  by  the  post-ollicc  October  1.  L899,  and  by  the  Customs 
service  December  22,  lN!»!t.  The  cost  of  construction  was  £7*..">4.">.!»1. 
It  is  built  of  marble  from  Sutherland  Falls,  Proctor,  Vt.,  contain-  a 
space  of  lS4,5Sl  cubic  feet,  and  is  supplied  with  -team  heat  from  two 
boilers.  The  first  door  is  occupied  by  the  post-office  and  the  second 
and  pari  of  the  third  by  the  customs  service. 

During  the    year  ended  dune  L899,   the  gross   po-tal  receipts 

aggregated  919,616.40.  In  L890  the  population  of  St.  Albans  was 
7,771,  and  in  L900  it  was  6,239. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


593 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  WINDSOR.  VT. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  east  side  <»t'  .Main  street,  on  a  site 
that  may  be  briefly  described  as  follows:  Beginning  on  the  east 
side  of  Main  street  at  the  southwest  corner  of  the  lot.  thence  east 
87  feet,  thence  east  by  about  '!'■'>  degrees  north  ins  feet,  thence  north 
75  feet,  thence  west  2M.">  feet  to  Main  street,  thence  south  U»o  feet  to 
point  of  beginning.    The  rear  of  the  lot  is  surrounded  by  a  brick  wall. 

The  ground  w&B secured  September  5,  IS57,  by  purchase,  for  s£4.7oo, 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  following  year, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  £71  .:»47.>>2. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  August  is,  1856,  March  3,  L857,  and  duly  2,  1864, 
the  last  being  for  repairs  to  roof. 

Nine  rooms  besides  the  entire  second  floor  are  occupied,  they  being 
assigned  to  the  post-office  and  United  States  courts.  The  court  room 
and  court  offices  are  on  the  second  lloor,  the  jury  rooms  being  on  the 
first  and  third  floors.  The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  281,000 
feet,  and  is  supplied  with  heat  from  a  furnace  and  open  fireplaces. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  185W,  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $4,s;t3.S4.  When  the  building  was  constructed,  the  population  of 
the  village  was  about  2,000,  and  in  1900  it  was  L,656. 

12242—01  38 


H1STOKY   OF    ITHLIC  BUILDINGS. 


595 


COURT-HOUSE.  POST-OFFICE.  ETC..  ABINGDON,  VA. 

The  building  shown  i>>  the  accompanying  illustration  was  authorized 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  July  7. 
August  7.  1NN2.  March  3.  lss:>.  and  March  2,  [SS~.  A  site  was  pur- 
cliased  on  June  28,  1X84,  for  the  sum  of  $12,500,  which  w  as  exchanged 
on  January  27.  18SS,  under  authority  of  the  act  la^t  referred  t<>.  for 
the  present  site  which  fronts  north  200  feet  on  Main  street,  and  i-  '_'.">  1 
feet  dec]).  It  is  hounded  on  the  west  by  an  alley.  A  contract  wa- 
a warded  October  3.  ISSS.  for  the  erection  of  the  building,  and  it  was 
completed  and  occupied  November  1,  l<s'.»0,  the  cost  of  construction 
being  $73,000.47. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  200.000  feet,  and  it  i-  heated 
by  steam.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  is  fifteen,  they  being 
assigned  principally  to  the  post-office  and  courts. 

The  gross  receipts  of  the  post-otlice  during  the  year  ended  dune  80, 
1899,  were  $3,832.15.  In  1890  the  population  of  the  town  was  1.074. 
and  in  L900  it  was  1.300. 


596 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


597 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  ALEXANDRIA,  YA. 

The  site  for  the  present  custom-house  and  post-office  was  purchased 
in  May.  1850,  and  September.  1N5N,  for  the  sum  of  *1*>. <mmi.  and  has 
an  approximate  frontage  of  114  feet  north  on  Prince,  and  '.'7  feet  east 
on  St.  Asaph  streets.  The  building,  which  is  located  at  the  junction 
of  the  two  streets,  was  completed  and  occupied  soon  after  the  purchase 
of  the  land,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $57.!H.'<.*;4.  The  appro- 
priations for  this  building  were  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved 
March  3,  1855,  and  dune  12,  1858. 

The  cubic  contents  of  the  building  are  17i».ooo  feet.  Il  i-  heated  by 
steam  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal,  internal  revenue,  and  customs 
services,  and  the  United  States  courts,  twelve  rooms  being  assigned 
to  the  same. 

During  the  fiscal  year  ended  .June  30,  18!»'.».  the  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  were  £  1.454.1  >42. 24  and  £2u.o»H>.31».  ropectively.  The 
population  of  the  city  in  1870  was  L3,570,  and  in  1900  it  was  14,528. 

The  first  custom-house  owned  by  the  United  States  in  Alexandria. 
Va..  was  a  brick  building  located  at  the  northwest  corner  of  I'nion  and 
King  streets.  It  was  purchased  in  November,  lS2o.  for  SC. (too,  and 
sold  April  8,  1871,  for  $6,000,  under  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  March  %2.  lst>7. 

An  act  of  duly  7.  ls:is,  authorized  the  purchase  and  remodeling  for 
use  as  a  court-house  of  a  building  then  owned  by  the  Hank  of  Alexan- 
dria, and  acts  of  March  3.  1  <S4 1 .  and  dune  15.  Is44.  appropriated  funds 
for  the  completion  and  repair  of  the  Bame.  The  property  was  conveyed 
to  the  State  of  Virginia  on  May  31.  Is47.  under  the  provisions  of  act 
of  July  !•.  L846. 


598 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  Bl'ILDINOS. 


599 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  DANVILLE,  YA. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  north  side  of  Main  street  between 
Union  and  Ridge  streets,  on  a  lot  L50  feet  4  inches  front  and  180  feet 
deep.  The  »round  was  secured  under  date  of  September  L880,  bj 
purchase,  for  the  sum  of  $14,500.  A  contract  \'<>v  the  basement  and 
area  walls  was  awarded  March  7.  L881,  and  the  structure  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  May.  L883,  tin-  cost  of  construction  being 
197,799.56. 

It  is  constructed  of  red  brick,  with  red  sandstone  trimmings,  con- 
tains a  cubic  space  of  2;">o,Oou  feet,  and  is  heated  by  a  hot-water  sys- 
tem and  open  grates.  The  Dumber  of  rooms  occupied  is  eleven,  they 
being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  ami  internal- revenue  services 
and  the  United  State-  courts. 

The  legislation  on  its  account  is  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  11.  L880,  August  7.  L882,  duly  7,  1>M  (ap- 
proaches), and  March      Ivs7  (approaches). 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  lv.t'.t.  tin1  «;ross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $24,;)8(».s4.  In  lssothe  population  of  theoitywas  7. .">:.'•'>. 
ill  ls'.io  it  was  lo.:5o;>,  and  in  l'.tOO  it  was  L6,590. 


600  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDING*. 


601 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  HARRISONBURG,  YA. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  northeast  corner  of  .Main  and  Eliza- 
beth streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  l"»f  feet  on  the  former 
and  south  281  feet  on  the  latter,  being  bounded  on  the  east  by  an  alley. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  June  80,  1KS4.  for  £l:i.ooo.  A 
contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  April  1.  lss.5, 
and  the  main  structure  was  practically  completed  and  was  occupied  by 
the  post-office  April  1.  INN*;.  An  extension  was  authorized  by  an  act 
of  Congress  approved  March  8.  Inn",  and  the  entire  building  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  lN.sit.  the  cost  of  construction  being $100,057. 74. 

The  legislation  on   its  account  i-  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  July  7.  1882,  August  7.  L882,  duly  7.  1884,  March  8, 
and  March  3,  1887. 

The  building  is  of  red  pressed  brick  trimmed  with  Indiana  lime- 
stone, and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  1 2!».7SS  feet.  It  i-  healed  by  a  hot- 
water  system  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  service  and  United  States 
courts.  In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  28,  L896, 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  .June  9,  1  B96,  authorized  the  use  of  the 
court  room  and  offices  by  the  circuit  and  county  courts  of  Rocking- 
ham County  for  a  period  of  three  years,  pending  the  construction  of 
a  new  municipal  building. 

When  the  court-house,  post-office,  etc.,  building  was  first  occupied 
the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  S|,ooo  annually,  while  during 
the  year  ended  March  80,  Lfoo,  they  were  £7. of  1.  In  ls'.io  the  popu- 
lation of  the  town  was  2,792,  and  in  1!        it  \\a~  :'...'>lM. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Lynchburg,  Va. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  liril.DINGS. 


603 


I'OUKT-HorSE.  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  LYNCHBURG,  YA. 

This  building  wsis  authorized  by  sm  act  of  Congress  sipprovod  Juno 
lo.  lss2.  The  site  was  purchased  for  *13.">'»0.  and  the  title  thereto 
vested  in  the  United  States  January  29,  1884.  It  has  a  frontage  north 
on  Ninth  street  134  feet  and  east  on  Chureh  street  200  feet.  The 
building  was  commenced  under  a'contract  awarded  October  2?>.  ls.s.">. 
and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  the  spring  of  lsss,  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  Sl2o.2.ss.);r). 

It  is  in  plan  ."><>  feet  4  inches  by  feet  lo  inches,  and  is  set  close  to 
the  lot  line  on  Church  street,  equally  distant  from  the  north  and  south 
ends,  with  a  mail  driveway  extending  along  both  sides  and  the  rear. 
A  retaining  wall  has  been  placed  at  the  rear,  as  the  ground  rises 
between  45  and  ."><>  feet  from  this  point  to  the  west  line  of  the  lot. 

The  superstructure  is  of  brick  and  the  building  has  a  cubic  contents 
of  '.W.i. lit  feet.  The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-office, 
and  the  upper  floors  by  the  United  States  court-  and  internal-revenue 
Service.     The  number  of  rooms  in  the  building  i>  eighteen. 

The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  approved  August  7.  1sn2, 
duly  7.  1884,  March  8,  L885,  August  4.  isst;,  and  March  :•!(>.  lsss. 

The.  postal  receipts  have  increased  from  about  s.lii.nni)  in  lsss  to 
148,485.64  during  the  fiscal  year  L898-99.  In  L880  the  population  of 
the  city  was  15,959,  and  in  1900  it  was  18,891. 


604 


HTSTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


cur, 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE.  NORFOLK.  VA. 

This  building  is  located  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Plume  and  Atlantic  street-, 
with  a  north  frontage  of  91  feet  on  the  former  and  an  east  frontage  of  120  feet  on 
the  latter. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  January  2,  1S!H,  and  appropri- 
ated for  by  acts  of  .March  3,  1891,  August  5.  1892.  March  2.  1X95.  and  June  4.  1S97. 

The  land  was  secure<l  hy  purchase  Fehruary  9,  1X92,  for  X45, 000,  and  i-  houndeil 
on  the  north  142  feet  H  inches  by  Plume  street,  on  the  east  150  feet  by  Atlantic 
street,  and  on  the  south  149  feet  10  inches  by  an  alley. 

Drawings  were  submitted  in  competition  October  12,  1X97,  under  the  provisions 
of  an  act  of  Fehruary  20,  1893,  known  as  the  Tarsnev  Act.  and  the  award  made  to 
.Messrs.  Wyatt  it  Nolting.  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  with  whom  a  contract  was  entered 
into  Fehruary  IK,  1X98,  for  the  preparation  of  working  draw  ings,  etc.,  and  for  the 
local  supervision  of  the  erection  of  the  building.  A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the 
building  was  awarded  December  1,  1K9K,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and 
occupied  November  15,  1900,  the  cost  of  construction  being  s204,5X'.i..'i.'!. 

The  exterior  is  simple,  being  a  liberal  Renaissance  treatment,  and  i- erected  on  a 
base  of  Keystone  granite  from  Pacolet,  N.C.,  in  Bedford  (Ind.)  limestone  for  the 
first  story  and  trimmings,  with  the  second  and  third  story  walls  .if  brick  approxi- 
mating the  stone  in  color. 

On  the  first  floor  is  the  post-office  working  room,  with  separate  rooms  for  the 
money-order  and  registry  departments;  a  large  |_-shaped  public  corridor,  Hi  feet  wide, 
finished  in  Italian  marble  to  the  height  of  about  10  feet,  with  vaulted  ceiling;  and 
rooms  for  tin-  postmaster  and  assistant  postmaster.  The  stairway  ami  elevator 
inclosure,  w  hich  is  of  marble  and  iron,  adjoins  the  Atlantic  street  entrance. 

On  the  second  floor,  adjoining  the  stairway  and  elevator,  is  the  court-room  vesti- 
bule, with  three  doors  opening  into  the  court  room,  which  is  4S  by  ■">.">  feet  in  plan 
and  2ti  feet  in  height.  The  court  room  has  adjoining  it  two  rooms  and  toilet  tor  the 
use  of  the  judge.  This  room  is  wainscoted  w  ith  marble,  the  door  and  window  open- 
ings being  heavily  trimmed  in  oak,  with  pediment  and  carved  cartouches  and 
brackets.  The  ceiling  is  paneled  in  plaster.  There  is  a  gallery  over  the  main 
entrance  door.  At  the  end  of  court  room  vestibule  is  a  cortile,  50  by  50  feet  in  si/.e, 
extending  through  the  second  and  third  stories,  with  its  arcade  surrounding  the 
floor  lights  which  light  the  post-office  working  room  below.  The  third-story  corridor 
is  supported  by  the  arcade,  w  hich  is  of  Italian-marble  columns  and  faience  arches 
and  balustrade,  the  color  scheme  being  in  soft  yellows  and  greens,  w  ith  touches  of 
vivid  blue  anil  red.  The  ceilings  of  this  cortile  and  of  all  public  o  >rrid.  >rs  are  vaulted. 
The  finish  of  all  the  corridors  in  the  building  ami  the  vestibule  of  the  court  room  is 
also  of  faience,  with  Italian-marble  wainscoting. 

In  the  second  story  surrounding  the  cortile  are  the  court  room,  private  rooms  for 
the  judge,  rooms  for  the  district  attorney,  tin-  grand  jury,  and  witnesses,  and  for  the 
clerk  of  the  court. 

In  the  third  story  surrounding  the  cortile  are  the  rooms  for  the  bar  library,  rail- 
way mail  service,  marshal,  and  jury. 

The  finish  of  the  offices  throughout  is  best  heart-pine  floors;  oak  wainscoting  and 
trims  to  doors  and  windows,  with  simple  plaster  cornices.  The  floors  of  all  public 
spaces,  corridors,  etc.,  are  of  mosaic. 

The  construction  of  the  building  throughout  is  fireproof,  w  ith  the  USB  Of  Z  bar 
columns  and  steel  beams  and  girders,  all  of  which  are  protected  with  brick  and  porous 
terra  COtta,  w  hich  material  has  also  been  used  for  the  floor  arches  ami  partitions. 

The  building  is  lighted  by  electricity.  The  heating  is  by  steam,  indirect  to  the 
post-oflice  working  room,  court  room,  jury  rooms,  and  all  rooms  likely  to  contain  a 
number  of  people,  atld  direct-indirect  to  all  other  rooms  and  offices.  The  entire 
building  is  ventilated  through  ducts  extending  into  vent  chambers  and  through  the 
roof,  the  movement  of  air  being  accelerated  by  steam  coils  in  same.  Its  cubic  con- 
tents are  ()12,f)tiS  feet. 


606 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Ci'sto.m-Hoi'.se,  Norfolk,  Va. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


607 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  NORFOLK.  YA. 

The  custom-house,  at  Norfolk,  Ya..  face-  north  on  Main  street  and  is 
located  on  a  site  extending'  from  Main  to  Water  street,  with  a  front- 
age of  123  feet  6  inches  on  the  former  and  111'  feet  6  inches  on  the 
latter,  being  about  250  feet  deep.  It  was  authorized  by  acts  of  ( 'ongre— 
approved  March  3.  1849,  and  September  30,  1S50,  and  the  land  w:i- 
purchased  duly  31.  1852,  for  the  sum  of  $13.5oo.  The  structure  un- 
completed in  1859,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $203,903.75. 

It  is  constructed  of  granite  and  contains  a  cubic  space  of  542,700  feet. 
Artificial  heat  is  supplied  by  a  hot-water  system  operated  by  one 
boiler.  Prior  to  moving  into  the  new  building  at  Norfolk  the  post- 
office  occupied  the  first  and  the  United  States  courts  the  third,  the 
second  floor  being  used  by  the  custom-  service  and  other  oflices. 

In  addition  to  the  above  acts,  appropriations  on  account  of  the 
building  were  made  by  acts  of  duly  21,  L852,  March  3,  L863,  May  15. 
1856,  August  is.  1850.  dune  12.  I.S5N.  and  dune  in.  1  sso  (outstanding 
liabilities). 

The  gross  postal  receipt-  for  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1S99,  were 
$100,904.29.  iind  the  value  of  the  export-  during  that  period  wa-  about 
$13,00(1,00(1.  When  the  building  was  constructed  the  population  of 
the  city  was  between  L4,000  and  L6,000;  in  L900  it  was  46,624. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  building  the  Government  owned 
and  occupied  for  custom-  purposes  a  building  located  on  a  plot  of 
ground  bounded  on  the  north  by  Water  -licet,  ea-t  by  Church  street, 
south  by  Navison  street,  and  west  by  Southwait  -treet  or  old  Custom- 
House  lane.  The  land  was  purchased  December  20.  lslT.  for  $9,000, 
and  the  building  erected  from  funds  transferred  from  the  appropria- 
tion for  ' ' Custom-houses  and  public  Warehouses.""  The  building  was 
destroyed  during  the  civil  war.  and  the  property  wa-  sold  August  8, 
1*74.  for  $8,800.  under  authority  of  an  act  of  March  2,  1^07. 


608 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Petersburg,  Va. 


HISTOKY   OF   PI'KLK'  KUILDINOS. 


(TSTOM-HOl'SE  AND  POST-OFFICK.  I'KTKIJSIU'Rd.  VA. 

The  building  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  La  located  on 
the  southeast  corner  of  Tabb  and  Union  streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground 
purchased  April  18,  L856,  for  the  sum  of  £15.000.  The  site  has  a 
frontage  of  LOO  feet  north  on  Tabb  street  and  149  feet  8  inches  west 
on  Obion  street.  The  building  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for 
by  acts  of  Congress  approved  August  4,  L854,  and  March  8,  1857. 
It  was  coiuiuenced  in  l.S5t!  and  completed  in  1  s.",;»,  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  £S4.<!04.<SX.  It  was  first  occupied,  however,  in  September, 
1858,  while  still  in  an  unfinished  condition.  The  exterior  wall-  are 
constructed  of  Petersburg  granite  and  the  structure  contain-  a  -pace 
of  124,000  cubic  feet. 

In  1*71  improvements  and  repairs  were  made  at  a  cost  of  (10,000, 
under  authority  of  an  act  of  duly  15.  1870.  The  building  i-  heated 
by  a  hot-water  system  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal-revenue  services,  the  former  occupying  the  entire  first  floor. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  .".<».  L899,  the  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  amounted  to  £8,361,808.84  and  A<>~ J>'2.  respec- 
tively. In  18(50  the  population  of  Petersburg  was  IN, 200,  and  in  L900 
it  was  21,810. 

L9342— 01— H*9 


610 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OK   lM'KLIC  Bl'ILDINOS. 


fill 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AM)  POSX-OFFICE,  RICHMOND,  VA. 

This  building  is  located  on  Main  street,  between  Ninth  and  Tenth, 
and  extends  north  to  Bank  street.  The  site  was  secured  by  purchase 
August  8j  1853.  for  the  sum  of  $61,000,  and  has  a  frontage  of  140  feet 
by  LN2  feet  deep.  The  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1  *."»>.. 
the  cost  of  construction  being  $193,757.35. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  original  building  were  made 
by  acts  of  August  3o.  1*52.  August  4.  1854,  and  April  20,  1870 
(repairs). 

Under  appropriations  made  by  acts  of  Congress  approved  February 
26,  1885,  March  3,  1885,  March  30,  L888,  and  October  2,  1888,  the 
building  was  extended  on  the  Bank  street  front  and  two  wing-  were 
added  on  the  Main  street  front,  the  work  being  commenced  in 
and  completed,  with  alterations,  repairs,  etc.,  in  L889,  at  a  total  cost 
of  aboul  1196,000. 

The  structure  is  built  of  granite  and  contain-  a  space  of  562,228 
cubic  feet.  It  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal,  customs,  and 
internal-revenue  services,  and  the  United  States  court-,  and  i-  heated 
by  a  hot-water  system  operated  by  two  boiler-. 

During  the  year  ended  June  30,  isit'.t.  the  postal  receipts  amounted 
to  $230,542.0*;.  In  ls~\\  the  population  of  the  city  was  51,038, and  in 
1900  it  was  85,050. 

Bank  street,  which  bounds  the  building  on  the  north,  LS  about  on  a 
level  with  the  second-floor  line.  On  the  opposite  side  of  tin-  street  i- 
the  capitol  park,  which  extends  to  and  surrounds  the  capitol  building, 
shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration.  The  tower  at  the  left  and 
rear  of  the  capitol  is  on  the  city  hall.  The  building  in  the  foreground 
at  the  right  of  the  custom-house  and  po-t-o|licc.  on  Main  -trect.  i-  that 
of  the  Mutual  Life  Assurance  Society  of  Virginia. 

During  the  civil  war  this  custom-house  and  post-office  was  occupied 
by  the  treasury  department  of  the  Confederate  government,  and  a 
room  on  the  third  floor  was  used  as  an  office  by  Jefferson  Davis. 
It  was  also  in  this  building  that  the  grand  jury  of  the  United  State- 
circuit  court  on  May  1<».  1  s«>«>.  indicted  President  Davis  for  treason, 
and  on  May  13.  lNtiT.  he  was  brought  here  on  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus 
and  was  released  on  bail. 


612 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


013 


POST-OFFICE,  ROANOKE,  \\. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Henry  and  Church 
streets,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  west  loo  feet  on  the  former  and 
south  125  feet  on  the  latter. 

It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  February  24.  L891, 
and  appropriated  for  by  an  act  of  March  3,  L891.  The  site  was  pur- 
chased February  6,  1893,  for  the  sum  of  (13,125,  and  the  building  was 
commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  October  im»4.  being  com- 
pleted and  occupied  February  2S.  ls(.*7.  The  cost  of  construction  WS& 
&(>l,7<>t>.2o.  Salem  (Ind.)  limestone  is  used  for  the  basement  and  area 
walls,  steps,  etc.,  and  trimmings  for  the  red  brick  in  the  supcr»truc- 
turc.  The  building  contains  a  space  of  216,000 cubic  feet,  and  is  heated 
by  a  hot-water  system  operated  by  one  boiler.  It  is  occupied  mainly 
by  the  postal  and  internal- revenue  services,  the  former  being  located  00 
the  first  floor. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  181W,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  934,872*29.  In  L890  the  population  of  the  city  wtuB 
lo,lo!».  and  in  1900  it  was  21,495. 


HISTORY   OK   VI' MAC  Hl'ILDINO 


615 


POST-Omi'K.  STAUNTON,  YA. 

The  post-office  at  Staunton.  \-.\..  is  located  on  the  northeast  corner 
of  Lewis  and  Frederick  streets,  on  a  plat  of  ground  fronting  west  166 
feet  »'»  inches  on  the  former  and  south  130  feet  on  the  latter.  The  land 
was  secured  by  purchase  March  14.  L892,  for  $12,500.  The  building, 
which  was  authorized  and  appropriated  for  by  acta  of  Congress 
approved  January  ^<i.  L891,  and  March  3,  1891,  respectively,  was  com- 
menced under  a  contract  awarded  April  17.  1  893,  and  completed  and 
occupied  November  27,  L894,  the  cost  of  construction  being      41^. '.»•;. 

It  is  47  by  S2  feet  in  plan  and  has  a  content-  of  about  250,000  cubic 
feet.  The  entire  basement,  except  toilet  room,  which  i-  marble,  i-  cov  - 
ered with  concrete  flooring,  the  other  stories  being  floored  with  marble 
and  wood.  On  the  first  door  is  located  the  post-office,  which  has  a 
main  working  room  of  33  by  55  feet.  This  room  ia  separated  from 
the  corridor  Or  public  lobby  by  a  screen  of  white  oak  which  extend- 
along  the  Frederick  street  side  55  feet  and  return-  16  feet  to  the  post- 
master's private  room  and  stair  hall  at  the  east  and  west  end-,  respec- 
tively, the  latter  being  at  the  left  of  the  Lewi-  street  entrance.  The 
second  floor  is  laid  off  into  five  office  rooms,  two  toilet  rooms,  and  cor- 
ridor, and  is  occupied  by  the  United  State-  marshal  and  the  internal 
revenue  service.  This  story,  as  well  as  the  first,  i-  finished  generally 
in  white  oak.  while  the  basement  and  attic  are  in  white  pine.  The 
vault  on  the  second  floor  and  that  connected  with  the  post-office  work- 
ing room  on  the  first  floor  i-  of  fireproof  construction.  Steam  heat 
is  supplied  throughout  by  direct  and  indirect  radiation. 

During  the  years  IS94  and  lSlt'.t  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to 
119,949.33  and  119,118.54,  respectively.  In  L890  the  population  of 
the  city  was  6,975,  and  in  L900  it  was  7,289. 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  WILDIXOS. 


617 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  PORT  TOWNSEND,  WASH. 

Under  date  of  December  31,  IN85,  the  United  State-  purchased,  for 
the  sum  of  $9,000,  as  a  site  for  this  buildinjr  a  block  of  ground  220 
feet  square,  bounded  on  the  north  by  Jefferson  street,  south  by  Wash- 
ington street,  cast  by  Harrison  street,  and  west  by  N  an  Buren  street. 

A  contract  for  the  masonry  was  awarded  April  i.6,  L887,  and  the 
basement  walls  had  been  built,  when,  in  view  of  legislation  authorizing 
a  larger  building,  it  became  necessary  to  discontinue  work  on  the  Bite 
and  to  modify  the  plans.  On  August  L,  L889,  a  new  contract  \\a- 
entered  into  for  making  such  changes  and  extensions  t<>  the  basement 
walls  as  were  required  by  the  modified  plans,  and  the  building  un- 
completed and  occupied  March  l.  L893,  the  cost  of  construction  being 
$241. si.  It  is  constructed  of  sandstone  from  the  Chuckanut 
quarries.  Bellinjfham  Hay.  Washington,  and  has  a  cubic  content-  of 
704,550  feet.  The  main  approach  i-  from  Washington  street,  there 
being  public  entrance-  also  from  Van  Buren  and  Harrison  streets.  The 
building  is  provided  with  a  steam  heating  apparatus  operated  by  two 
boilers,  and  is  occupied  principally  by  the  postal,  customs,  and  hydro- 
graphic  services  and  shipping  commissioner. 

Appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by  acts  <>f  Congress 
approved  March  8,  1885,  August  i.  1886,  March  80,  1888, October  19, 
1888,  and  August  28,  1894  (approaches,  etc.). 

During  the  years  L893  and  1899  the  postal  receipt-  amounted  to 
$t),6!*K.!tf>  and  &.5.4o3.*i4.  respectively.  In  these  year-  the  total  value 
of  imports  and  exports  at  this  port  were  *.">.'.'43. 14."<  and  122,254,930, 
respectively.  The  population  of  the  city  in  1890  was  4,558,  and  in 
I'lOO  it  was  3,443. 


()1<S  HISTORY  OF    PUKLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   <)F   ITALIC  BUILDINGS. 


619 


POST-OFFICE.  COURT-HOUSE.  FTC.  CHARLESTON,  W.  VA. 

This  building  is  located  between  Summer  and  Capitol  streets,  on  a 
pint  of  ground  bounded  on  the  northwest  157  feet  by  the  former  and 
on  the  southeast  162  feet  by  the  hitter,  the  distance  between  the  two 
streets  being  about  2.VS  feet.  In  front  of  the  building,  extending 
from  Capitol  to  Summer  street,  and  adjoining  business  houses  on  the 
southwest  side,  is  a  public  thoroughfare  about  "J.")  feet  wide,  for  u>e 
of  pedestrians  only.  The  greater  portion  of  this  passageway  is  on  the 
Government  lot. 

The  ground  was  secured  by  purchase  May  3,  1881,  for  the  sum  of 
$8,000,  and  the  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded 
August  10,  L881.  It  was  occupied  in  the  winter  of  1883,  although 
then  not  entirely  completed.  Subsequently,  on  December  14.  1888,  ;i 
contract  was  awarded  for  the  erection  of  an  extension  on  the  north- 
wot  end  of  the  building,  which  extension  was  carried  from  a  line 
adjoining  the  circular  projection  of  the  main  facade.  This  work  was 
completed  in  the  summer  of  1889. 

The  cost  of  the  building  as  originally  constructed  was  *NH,,s7'.t.4o. 
and  of  the  extension  $52,000.  The  legislation  on  its  account  is  con- 
tained in  acts  of  Congress  approved  April  1880,  August  7.  1882 
(approaches).  .July  7.  1**4  (water  supply,  etc.).  March  :'».  |ss."»  (out- 
standing liabilities),  and  May  I,  L888  (extension). 

The  building  contains  a  space  of  :'.o:;.i'oo  cubic  feet,  is  heated  by  hot- 
water  system  and  open  grates,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  -en  ice 
and  Cnited  States  courts,  the  first  floor  being  assigned  i»>  the  former 
and  the  second  floor  to  the  latter. 

During  the  year  ended  .June  30,  1899,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $30,217.63.  In  1880  the  population  of  the  city  was  t,192, 
in  1890,  »>,74^,  and  in  1900  it  was  11,099. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


621 


roruT-HorsF,  post-office,  etc.,  clarksburg,  w.  va, 

Acts  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  L885,  July  30,  1886,  and  Sep- 
tember Ho.  1890,  authorized  and  made  appropriations  for  the  construc- 
tion of  a  public  building  at  Clarksburg,  \V.  Va.,  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  United  States  courts  and  post-office  and  for  other  branches 
of  the  Government  service. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  August  4.  IKX5,  for  the  sum  of 
93,500,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  91  feet  by  Pike  street  and  on  the 
west  LOO  feet  by  Third  street.    The  excavations  were  made  and  the 

foundations  and  basement  walls  constructed  by  day  labor  employed  by 
the  Government.  A  contract  for  the  election  of  the  superstructure 
was  awarded  June  S,  18X7,  and  the  building  was  practically  completed 
and  occupied  in  November,  1888.  Some  items  remaining  unfinished 
were  completed  in  the  latter  part  of  L890,  the  total  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  979,828.51. 

The  building  is  of  red  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  resting  upon  a 
stone  base,  and  has  a  contents  of  :>!••;. 7oo  cubic  feet.  It  is  heated  by 
steam  from  one  boiler,  and  is  occupied  by  the  postal  and  internal- 
revenue  services  and  the  I'nited  States  courts. 

In  l!SS!»  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  *7.ooo  and  din  ing  the 
year  ended  June  1899,  they  were  $10,899.09.  In  1890  the  popula- 
tion of  the  town  was  :;,oos.  and  in  l'.too  it  was  4,050. 


Coubt-House  and  Post-Office,  Martinsbubq,  W.  Va. 


HISTORY   OF   Pl'HLIC  WILDINGS. 


623 


COURT-HOUSE  AM)  POST-OFFICE.  MAKTINSIU'Kb,  \\.  YA. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  Jane 
!),  1890.  The  site  was  purchased  August  26.  181*1.  for  $!i.:»o.  and  is 
hounded  on  the  south  153  feet  by  King  »treet  and  ea-t  108  feet  by 
Maple  avenue.  A  proposal  was  acce])ted  March  K>.  ls'.rj,  for  the  exca- 
vation for  foundations,  and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied 
in  L895,  the  cost  of  construction,  including  approaches  which  were 
completed  in  l  s'.tfi.  being  *N(  1.040.76. 

The  building  is  rectangular  in  plan,  the  extreme  dimensions  being 
83  by  46  feet,  and  contains  a  space  of  857,753  cubic  feet,  the  exterior 
walls  being  faced  w  ith  red  pressed  brick,  trimmed  with  stone  and  terra 
cotta.  Tlx4  entire  first  floor  (except  over  boiler  room,  vaults,  lookouts, 
etc..  which  are  of  brick  arches  on  iron  beams),  and  the  second,  third, 
and  fourth  floors,  ceilings,  roofs,  dormers,  stairs,  mailing  platform 
inclosure.  etc..  are  framed  in  wood,  the  character  of  the  lumber  being 
pine.  The  floors  of  the  public  lobby  and  stair  hall  in  the  first  story 
are  laid  with  marble  tiles,  all  other  floors  being  of  maple.  The  first 
story  is  occupied  by  the  post-office,  the  main  entrance  to  winch  is  on 
King  street,  this  being  the  front  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustra- 
tion. The  public  Lobby  adjoining  this  entrance  is  L2  feet  in  width  and 
extends  along  the  King  street  side  from  the  west  end  of  the  building, 
and  is  separated  from  the  post-office  working  room  by  a  white-pine 
screen.  Access  to  the  upper  stories  is  obtained  by  the  stairs,  located 
at  the  southeast  corner,  adjoining  the  Maple  avenue  entrance.  On  the 
second  story  there  are  six  office  rooms  assigned  to  tin'  United  States 
court  officials  and  t  he  internal -re  venue  service,  and  on  the  third  floor  are 
located  the  court  room  (33  feet  <!  inches  by  46  feet),  offices  of  the  judge 
and  clerk  of  the  court,  and  the  court  library.  The  building  i-  pro- 
vided with  two  fireproof  vaults,  one  on  the  first  and  one  on  the  second 
floor,  and  is  equipped  with  ;i  low-pressure  steam  heating  apparatus, 
with  direct  and  indirect  radiation. 

The  appropriations  on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  of 
Congress  approved  August  30,  L890,  March  3.  lS'.tl.  Augu>t  S-',.  lv.»4. 
and  dune  1  L,  L896. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30.  ls;t;t,  the  gross  postal  receipts 
amounted  to  $10,848.26.  In  ls'.»i>  the  population  of  the  city  was  7,226, 
and  in  L!»0()  it  was  7.;>t!4. 


624  HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


625 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  PARKERSBURG,  W.  YA. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  .March  l^~i-'>.  authorized  this  build- 
ing and  made  an  appropriation  therefor.  November  ^->.  ls7:..  bhe 
site  was  purchased  for  the  sum  of£l7.05o.  It  is  on  the  southwest  cor- 
ner of  Fifth  and  Julianna  streets,  with  a  ttorth  frontage  of  L70  feel 
on  the  former  and  an  east  frontage  of  170  feet  0  inches  on  the  latter. 
The  west  side  of  the  lot  is  hounded  by  an  alley. 

The  building  was  occupied  February  1.  l*7s.  and  Anally  completed 
about  a  year  later,  the  cost  of  construction  being  $223,059.03.  It  is 
built  of  brick,  trimmed  with  stone,  and  has  a  contents  of  585,400  cubic 
feet;  i.s  provided  with  a  hot  water  heating  system  supplied  by  one 
boiler,  and  with  a  hydraulic  passenger  elevator.    The  first  floor  is 

occupied  by  the  post-office  and  the  other  floors  by  the  internal-reve- 
nue service.  Weather  Bureau,  and  the  United  States  courts,  the  entire 
third  floor  being  assigned  to  the  judicial  branch  of  the  public  service. 

In  addition  to  the  act  above  referred  to.  appropriation-  on  it-  account 
were  made  by  acts  of  March  3,  L875,  July  Ml.  Is7»i.  March  :'».  Is77. 
May  3,  IS~S,  and  dune  20,  1878. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  30,  1899,  the  internal-revenue  and 
postal  receipts  amounted  to  £1,430,100.57  and  $81,475.09,  respec- 
tively. In  LS70  the  population  of  Parkersburg  was 5,546,  and  in  L900 
it  was  11.703. 

12242—01  4o 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


627 


CUSTOM-HOUSE,  WHEELING,  W.  VA. 

This  building  is  located  on  a  site  132  feet  square,  bounded  on  the 
west  by  .Market  street  and  on  the  south  by  Sixteenth  street. 

The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  February  lt>.  ls.">H.  for  $20,500, 
and  the  building  was  completed  and  occupied  in  l.stio.  the  cost  of  con- 
struction being  $!»6.<;i,S.o4.  The  walls  of  the  superstructure  are  of 
a  local  sandstone.  The  appropriations  on  its  account  were  made  by 
act.-  of  Congress  approved  August  4.  1854,  and  dune  25,  I860,  the  lat- 
ter being  for  furniture. 

CJttder  authority  of  an  act  approved  October  i\  lsjss.  a  contract  was 
awarded  June  1<>.  lssit.  for  alterations  and  repairs  to  the  building, 
which  included  the  construction  of  a  semicircular  addition  on  the 

south  end. 

The  building  contains  a  cubic  space  of  332,100  feet  and  is  provided 
with  steam  heat.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  i-  twenty,  tiny 
being  assigned  principally  to  the  postal  and  internal-revenue  Ben  ices 
and  the  United  States  courts. 

During  the  year  ended  .June  80,  IX!)!),  the  gros-  postal    receipt  - 
amounted  to  KsT. •><>".!»<;.    In  1n<><>  the  population  of  the  city  was  1±. 
in  1870,  1.9,280,  and  in  l!        it  was  8S,S7S. 


628 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


029 


POST-OFFICE,  ASHLAND.  WIS. 

This  building  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May 
22,  lN'.m.  and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  August  30,  L890,  and  March 
3,  1891. 

It  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Second  street  and  Sixth 
avenue,  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  south  LOO  feet  on  the  former  and 
east  300  feet  on  the  latter,  which  ground  was  secured  by  purchase 
October  3,  1891,  for  |6,000.  A  contract  for  its  erection  was  awarded 
August  ir>.  1N92.  and  it  was  completed  and  occupied  in  May.  L894, 
the  cost  of  construction  being  £93.94iU>3.  The  walls  of  the  super- 
structure are  of  Lake  Superior  brownstone  (Potsdam  sandstone)  from 
the  Prentice  Quarry  at  Houghton.  Wis. 

The  building  consists  of  basement,  two  stories,  and  attic.  has 
extreme  dimensions  of  52  by  80  feet,  and  contains  a  space  of  L'.M.TIH 
cubic  feet.  The  first  floor  is  of  fireproof  construction,  with  brick 
arches  sprung  between  iron  beams,  the  soffits  of  which  are  protected 
by  specially  molded  skewbacks.  and  the  columns  supporting  the 
second  floor  protected  with  terra  cotta.  The  other  floors  and  roof  are 
framed  in  wood.  The  finishing  lumber  of  the  basement  and  attic 
stories  is  white  pine,  and  of  the  first  and  second  stories,  including 
main  stairs,  both  sides  of  the  post-office  screen,  vestibules,  etc..  quar- 
tered white  oak.  and  window  frames,  sash,  and  trim,  of  white  pine. 
All  the  floors  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  stories  are  laid  with  maple, 
except  the  public  lobby  and  stair  hall  in  the  first  story  and  tin-  toilet 
room  in  the  second  story,  which  are  tiled  with  marble  having  a  white 
field  and  dark  borders. 

The  first  floor  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-ollice.  the  public 
lobby  being  approached  direct  by  the  Sixth  avenue  entrance.  At  tin 
southeast  corner,  communicating  with  the  Second  street  lobby,  i-  the 
stair  hall,  extending  to  the  upper  stories.  The  Becond  floor  i-  laid  <>tl 
into  seven  office  rooms,  which  are  occupied  by  officials  of  the  United 
States  land  office  and  the  Indian  service.  Steam  heat  i-  supplied 
throughout. 

The  postal  receipts  during  the  year  ended  June  30.  1899,  were 
$10,872.25.  The  population  of  the  city  has  increased  from  9,956  in 
L890  to  L3,074  In  L900. 


Oourt-Hobse,  Post-Office,  etc.,  La  Crosse,  Wis. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


631 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC..  LA  CROSSE,  WIS. 

Provisions  for  this  building  arc  contained  in  acts  of  Congress 
approved  February  •>*.  lsso,  and  March  Iss7.  The  site  was  secure*, 
by  purchase.  October  19,  1885,  for  the  bubo  of  112,000.  It  fronts  west 
on  Fourth  street  1*0  feet,  south  on  State  street  150  feet,  and  is  hounded 
on  the  east  by  a  21-foot  alley.    The  streets  are  each  •>»>  feet  wide. 

A  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  building  was  awarded  June  4.  lsss. 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  in  April.  1890,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  £134,822.94. 

The  building  covers  an  area  of  102  by  ."><">  feet  and  rests  on  a  concrete 
foundation  on  sandy  Boil,  with  basement  walls  of  rock-face  ashlar 
and  the  superstructure  faced  with  pressed  brick  with  sandstone  ami 
molded  brick  trimmings  and  terra-cotta  panels.  Entrance  -ti  p-, 
platforms,  pier  caps.  etc..  are  of  granite.  In  the  construction  of  the 
floors,  the  first  is  of  iron  beams  with  brick  arches,  the  Becond  of  iron 
beams  with  wooden  joists,  and  the  third,  and  also  the  roof,  of  wood 
framing  throughout.  The  first  and  second  story  corridor-  are  tiled. 
The  first  floor  is  occupied  by  the  post-office,  and  the  second  and  third 
floors  by  the  Tinted  States  courts  and  court  officials  and  officials  con- 
nected with  the  customs  and  internal-revenue  services,  Tinted  States 
Engineer  Corps,  and  the  Weather  Bureau.  The  building  ha-  a  con- 
tents of  453,290  cubic  feet,  and  is  -upplied  with  -team  heat  throughout 
by  direct  and  indirect  radiation  from  an  apparatus  operated  by  one 
boiler. 

The  gross  postal  receipts  during  the  years  lS'.tO  and  1S!*!I  were 
938,156.46 and  $71,212.97,  respectively.  The  internal -revenue  receipts 
during  the  latter  year  were  about  £375, ooo.  In  L890  the  population 
of  the  city  was  25,090,  and  in  L900  it  was  28,895. 


632 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   OF    1'1'HLIC  Bt'ILDlNOS. 


COURT-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  MADISON.  WIS. 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  .March  3,  1857,  authorized  the  con- 
struction of  a  court-house  at  Madison.  Wis.,  and  made  an  appropria- 
tion of  $50,000  for  the  performance  of  the  work.  This  was  supple- 
mented by  an  act  of  July  20.  ls*>8.  which  authorized  the  construction 
of  a  building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  United  States  courts  and 
post-office,  and  appropriated  an  additional  $5o.ooo.  Subsequent  appro- 
priations on  account  of  the  building  were  made  by  acts  approved  July 
25,  186s,  March  3,  1869  (v.  15,  pp.  305  and  313),  April  20,  1870,  duly 
15,  1870,  and  March  3,  1871. 

On  May  17.  1n*>7.  the  site,  on  the  north  coi  ner  of  Wisconsin  avenue 
and  Mifflin  street,  was  donated  to  the  Government,  and  work  on  the 
building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year.  It  was  com- 
pleted and  occupied  in  the  summer  of  1871,  and  cost  $389,082.74. 

By  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  dune  10,  addi- 
tional ground  on  the  northwest  and  northeast  sides  of  the  building 
was  purchased  August  2*.  1873,  for  the  sum  of  $11,000.  With  this 
latter  purchase  the  frontage  of  the  site  was  increased  to  198  feet  south- 
west on  Wisconsin  avenue  and  L32  feet  southeast  on  Mifflin  street 

The  building,  baying  a  cubic  contents  of  about  512,000  feet,  is  a 
substantial  stone  structure  covering  an  extreme  area  of  109  by  65  feet, 

and  is  set  close  to  the  lot  line  on  both  streets,  thus  leaving  consider- 
able open  space  at  the  rear,  which  is  utilized  a-  a  driveway  for  mail 
wagons,  etc.  On  the  first  floor  is  located  the  city  post-office,  with  its 
main  working  room  in  the  central  portion  and  the  postmaster's  private 
office  and  money -order  and  registry  division  at  the  northwest  end. 
The  Wisconsin  avenue  entrance  lead-  directly  into  the  post-office 
lobby,  which  is  L2  feet  wide  and  extends  along  this  -ide  of  the  building 
from  the  money-order  and  registry  division  at  the  west  corner  and 
returns  at  the  southeast  end  to  the  stair  hall,  which  i-  approached 
direct  also  from  the  Mifflin  street  entrance.  This  stair  hall  communi- 
cates with  the  second  and  third  stories.  There  are  on  the  second  floor 
eleven  office  rooms  opening  into  a  1  5-fool  corridor  extending  from  the 
stair  hall  at  the  southeast  end  to  another  stairway  at  the  northwest 

end.  which  latter  extends  only  between  the  second  and  third  stories 
and  affords  direct  access  to  the  private  quarters  of  the  court  officials 
on  the  upper  floor.  The  second  floor  is  occupied  principally  by  ofli- 
cials  of  the  Internal -Revenue  Service.  The  third  floor  was  designed 
and  arranged  for  the  United  State-  courts  and  court  officers,  the  court 
room,  which  i-  4o  by  60  feet  and  l'4  feet  high,  with  vaulted  ceiling, 
occupying  the  main  central  pavilion  and  the  offices  of  the  judge,  court 
library,  etc.,  being  in  the  northwest  and  southeast  wings.  There  are 
nine  rooms  on  this  floor,  including  the  court  room,  which  are  used  for 
court  purposes.  The  attic  over  the  wing-  i>  approached  by  narrow 
stairs  and  lighted  and  ventilated  by  the  circular  window-  in  the  man- 
sard roof. 

The  population  of  the  city  of  Madison  has  increased  steadily  since 
the  building  was  completed—  in  1870 it  being  9,176;  in  1880,  10,324;  in 
ls'.io.  18.42*).  and  in  P.too,  L9,164.  During  the  year  ended  dune  30, 
1899,  the  postal  receipts  amounted  to  £•'>:'». .v»7.  12. 


634 


HISTORY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Post-Office,  Cuukt-Hoi>e  and  Cv^to.m-Hoi  se,  Milwackle,  Wis. 


HISTORY   OK    1MI5LIC  MILDINliS 


<>35 


POST-OFFICE.  roi'RT-HOUSE  AND  CUSTOM-HOUSE,  MILWAUKEE,  WIS. 

This  building  occupies  the  block  hounded  on  the  north  by  Wisconsin 
street,  south  by  Michigan  street,  east  by  Jackson  street,  and  west  by 
Jefferson  street,  the  main  fa</ade  being  on  the  former. 

The  land  was  secured  by  condemnation  proceedings,  the  total  award 
being  !fv>KS.8.">4.  which  was  paid  October  31,  1890.  The  north  and 
south  frontage  is  "J.o^  feet  9  inches,  and  the  east  and  west  frontage 
360  feet  '1  inches.  The  excavations  were  commenced  under  a  contract 
awarded  April  is.  IS!»2,  and  the  building  was  occupied  April  ■>'!.  L899, 
the  cost  of  construction  being,  on  June  30,  L900,  $1,432,210.81.  Leg- 
islation authorizing  and  governing  its  construction  i-  contained  in  acts 
of  Congress  approved  January  21.  L889,  August  30,  Is'.'".  March  '■'>. 
1891,  and  June  4.  1 897. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  Mount  Waldo  granite,  from  Frank- 
fort. Me.,  and  is  fireproof  throughout.  It  i-  2o4  by  224  feel  in  plan, 
and  has  a  cubic  contents  of  8,877,065  feet.  There  are  about  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-rive  offices  and  other  necessary  rooms,  all  equipped 
with  every  modern  appliance  for  lighting,  heating,  and  ventilating. 
The  first  door  is  occupied  entirely  by  the  post-office  and  the  third  floor 
by  the  I  nited  States  courts.  The  second,  fourth,  and  fifth  floors  are 
occupied  by  other  offices,  principally  customs,  internal  revenue,  United 

States  engineers,  and  Weather  Bureau.  The  public  vestibules,  lob- 
bies, and  corridors  are  finished  in  marble  and  nio-aic-.  while  the  wall 
decorations  were  specially  designed  on  the  building.  The  district- 
court  room  is  decorated  in  marble,  East  India  mahogany,  and  frescos 
in  an  harmonious  blending  of  greens,  reds,  and  turquoise  Nut'-.  It  is 
one  of  the  handsomest  court  rooms  in  the  country.  The  circuit  court 
room  is  worked  out  entirely  in  oak.  with  elaborately  carved  historic 
and  emblematic  panels.  This  room  is  37  by  59  feet,  ami  is  a  tine  exam- 
ple of  modern  Romanesque  interior  treatment.  There  i-  also  a  law 
library,  finished  in  mahogany,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  court 
officials.  In  the  larger  office  rooms  there  are  fireplaces  finished  w  ith 
marble  mantels.  The  building  i-  supplied  w  ith  a  -team  heating  appa- 
ratus and  mechanical  ventilation,  two  hydraulic  passenger  elevator-. 

and  two  hydraulic  mail  lifts,  operated  by  power  from  two  batteries  "t 
eight  horizontal  return  tubular  boiler-. 

The  gross  po-tal  and  internal-revenue  receipt-  during  the  year  ended 
June  30,  L899,  were  $590,770.52  and  $8,391,046.36,  respectively.  In 
1890  the  population  of  the  city  was  204,468,  and  in  L900  it  was  285,315. 

Prior  to  the  erection  of  this  building  the  Government  ow  ned  and 
occupied  as  a  custom-house,  post-office,  etc.,  a  building  located  on  the 
northwest  corner  of  Wisconsin  and  Milwaukee  streets.  It  was  author- 
ized by  an  act  of  ( iongress  approved  August  4.  1  V>4.  and  wa-  completed 
and  occupied  January  4,  L859.  Under  authority  of  an  act  of  March 
:!.  1891,  the  property  was  -old  December  ft!.  1S1»1.  for  S'.'oti.ooo,  and 
the  proceeds  turned  into  the  fund  for  the  construction  of  the  new 
building,  excepting  such  portion  as  was  required  to  pay  for  the  rental 
of  the  old  building,  the  same  being  occupied  by  tlx'  <  iov  eminent  offices 
until  the  new  building  was  completed.  The  rental  was  made  available 
by  an  act  of  July  l'S.  1892. 


636 


HISTOKY  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Court-House,  Post-Office,  etc.,  Oshkosh,  Wis. 


HISTORY   OK  PIKLIC  BUILDINGS 


637 


COURT-HOUSE,  POST-OFFICE,  ETC.,  OSHKOSH,  WIS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Jefferson  avenue 
and  Washington  street,  fronting  south  on  the  latter.  It  was  author- 
ized and  appropriated  for  by  act*)  of  Congress  approved  July  2s.  L886, 
March  2.  lsv.t,  and  April  4.  Ls!>0,  the  last  appropriation  being  for 
vault  doors. 

The  site  was  secured  by  purchase  April  2'.i.  1**7.  for  *lo.ooo.  and 
has  a  frontage  of  '.»'.»  feet  south  on  Washington  street  and  1st;  feet  east 
on  Jefferson  avenue.     It  is  hounded  on  the  west  by  an  alley. 

The  building  was  commenced  under  a  contract  awarded  June  4.  1  sss 
and  was  completed  and  occupied  in  April.  L890,  the  cost  of  construc- 
tion being  $92,218.22.    It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  att  basement 

and  trimmings,  and  has  a  contents  of  343,280  cubic  feet. 

At  the  left  of  the  main  or  Washington  street  entrance  is  the  money- 
order  and  registry  room,  and  at  the  right  is  the  stairway  leading  to 
the  upper  floors,  the  public  lobby  extending  back  along  the  east  Bide 
to  the  Jefferson  avenue  entrance  and  the  postmaster's  private  office. 
Adjoining  the  stair  hall  on  the  second  Hoor  the  corridor  extends  north 
and  south,  with  rooms  arranged  on  either  side,  which  are  occupied  by 
the  officials  of  the  United  .States  courts  and  the  internal-revenue  serv- 
ice, the  court  room  beingat  the  northeast  corner.  The  attic  rooms  are 
assigned  to  the  Weather  Bureau  and  as  jury  and  witness  rooms.  The 
building  is  provided  with  four  fireproof  vaults  two  on  the  first  and 
two  on  the  second  floor,  and  -team  heat  i-  supplied  throughout. 

In  ls'.io  the  gross  postal  receipts  amounted  to  about  $26,000,  and 
during  the  year  ended  June  :',o.  IS'.H),  they  were  *44. 117.16.  In  1890 
the  population  of  the  city  was  22.836,  and  in  1900  it  was  38,284. 


638 


HISTORY  OK  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Custom-House  and  Post-Office,  Racine,  Wis. 


HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


639 


(TSTOM-HOrSK  AM)  l'OST-OTFH'K.  RACINE,  WIS. 

The  site  for  this  1  »ui ltli n<»-  was  secured  by  purchase  January  1892, 
for  the  sum  of  $25,000,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  24o  feet  by  Sixth 
.street,  on  the  east  1<»ii  feet  by  Lake  avenue,  and  on  the  west  L10  feet 
by  Main  street. 

A  contract  was  awarded  September  it.  1V.H5.  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  and  the  structure,  which  is  located  on  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Sixth  streets,  was  completed  and  occupied  October  1".  1898,  the  cost 
of  construction  being  $74,607.99.  It  rests  on  a  base  of  Portage  Entry 
(Mich.)  red  sandstone,  the  superstructure  being  of  Bedford  (Ind.) 
limestone,  and  contains  a  space  of  280,470  cubic  feet.  The  floors  and 
ceilings  throughout,  except  of  vault-  and  the  floor  over  boilers,  are  of 
wood  construction  framed  in  pine.  The  tir>t  story  is  occupied  entirely 
by  the  post-office, and  i>  laid  <»H  into  a  post-office  working  room  68  by 
40  feet,  public  lobby,  postmaster's  private  office,  money-order  and 
registry  division,  three  fireproof  vaults,  toilet  room-,  etc.  Above 
and  surrounding  the  post-office  working  room  at  the  second-floor  level 
is  a  broad  open  gallery,  which,  like  the  first  story,  is  finished  in  white 
oak.  The  public  lobby  is  approached  direct  by  the  Main  and  Sixth 
street  entrances,  between  which,  at  the  northwest  corner.  i-  the  -tair- 
way  leading  to  the  second  floor.  This  latter  floor  and  the  attic  above 
in  the  west  wing  are  divided  into  office  room-,  etc.,  and  arc  occupied 
in  part  by  the  civil-service  board  and  the  internal-revenue  service. 

The  legislation  on  account  of  the  building  is  contained  in  acts  of 
Congress  approved  December  24,  L890,  March  :!.  1891,  dune  4.  1897, 
and  duly  L9,  1897. 

During  the  year  ended  dune  .*5o.  L899,  the  postal  receipt-  amounted 

to  $161,355.33.  In  1890  the  population  of  Racine  was  21,014,  and  in 
L900  it  was  -Jit. lo-2. 


640  HISTORY   OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


HISTORY   <>F    IM'HLIC  BTILDINHS. 


641 


CUSTOM-HOUSE  AND  POST-OFFICE,  SHEBOYGAN,  WIS. 

This  building  is  located  on  the  southwest  coi  ner  of  Jefferson  avenue 
and  Eighth  street  on  a  plot  of  ground  fronting  nortfa  120  feet  <>n  the 
former,  cast  L50  feet  on  the  latter,  and  hounded  on  the  south  hy  an  alley. 
It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  Congress  approved  December  :M.  L890, 
and  appropriated  for  by  acts  of  March  3,  L891,  and  March  3,  L893. 
The  land  was  secured  by  purchase  April  <!,  ls!»2.  for  spi.ooo.  A  con- 
tract was  awarded  January  2.  1  s;»4.  for  the  erection  of  the  building, 
and  the  structure  was  completed  and  occupied  March  S.'>.  1895,  tin- 
cost  of  construction  being  $14,386.74.  It  is  constructed  of  buff  brick 
trimmed  with  brownstone,  contains  a  space  of  172,600  cubic  feet,  is 
supplied  with  direct  and  indirect  steam  heat  from  a  low-pressure, 
return-circulation  apparatus  operated  by  one  boiler,  and  i*  occupied 
by  the  postal,  customs,  and  internal-revenue  services.  The  first  floor 
is  occupied  entirety  by  the  post-office. 

Since  the  occupation  of  the  building  the  annual  postal  receipt-  have 
increased  from  about  $22,000  to  $24,879.97  during  the  year  ended 
June  30,  In  Ls'.H)  the  population  of  the  city  was  l»i. :;;,:».  and  in 

1900  it  was  22,962. 

L2242— 01  41 


I  X  1  >  E  X  . 


Page 

Aberdeen,  Mian.,  court-house,  post -office,  etc   325 

Abingdon,  Va.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   595 

Akron,  Ohio,  post-office   461 

Albany,  N.  Y.,  custom-house- and  post-office   391 

Alexandria,  La.,  post-office   205 

Alexandria,  Va.,  custom-house  and  post-office   597 

Allegheny,  Pa.,  post-office   489 

Asheville,  N.  ('.,  court-house  and  post-office   439 

Ashland,  Wis.,  post-office   629 

Astoria,  Greg.,  custom-house,  etc   486 

Atchison,  Kans.,  post-office   179 

Atlanta,  (la.,  court-house  and  post-office   99 

Auburn,  N.  Y.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   393 

Augusta,  (ia.,  court-house  and  post-office   101 

Augusta,  Me.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   221 

Aurora,  III.,  post-office   115 

Ati.-tiii,  Tex.,  court-house  and  post-office   560 

BultUDOre,  Md.,  appraisers'  stores   256 

court-house  (old)   257 

custom-house   259 

post-office,  court-house,  etc   361 

Bangor,  Me.,  custom-house  ami  post-office   223 

Barnstable,  Mass.,  custom-house  and  post-ollice   L'li.'l 

Hath,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   226 

Baton  Rouge,  La.,  post-office   207 

Bay  City,  Mich.,  court-house,  post-ollice,  and  custom-l  .-<•   LHt:! 

Beatrice,  Nebr.,  post-office   ."155 

Beaver  Falls,  I'a.,  post-office   491 

Belfast,  Me. ,  custom-house  and  post-ollice   227 

Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  post-office,  court-houfle,  etc   386 

Birmingham,  Ala.,  court-h<»use,  post-office,  etc   7 

Bloomington,  I II. ,  post-office   117 

Boise,  Idaho,  assay  office   118 

Boston,  Mass.,  custom-house    966 

post-office  and  suhtreasurv   267 

Bridgeport,  Conn.,  post-otficc   57 

Bristol,  K.  L,  custom-house  and  post-oftice   523 

Bristol,  Tenn.,  custom-house  and  post-office   ">4"> 

Brockton,  Mass.,  post-office     269 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  post-oftice,  etc   397 

Brownsville,  Tex.,  court-house,  custom-house,  and  post-ollice   5til 

Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  custom-house   399 

post-office   401 

Burlington,  Iowa,  post-office   159 

Burlington,  Vt.,  custom-house  and  post-ollice   :>s."> 

Cairo,  111.,  custom-house  and  post-ollice   1 1  *  * 

Camden,  Ark.,  post-office   2."> 

Camden,  N.  J.,  post-office,  custom-house,  etc   377 

( 'anandaigua,  N.  Y.,  court-house  and  post-office   403 

Canton,  Ohio,  post-office   4(>3 

Carson  City,  New,  branch  mint   367 

court-house,  post-ollice,  etc   369 

Castine,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-ollice   229 

Cellar  Rapids,  Iowa,  post-ollice     161 

<;4:; 


(144 


INI)  i>  X. 


Page. 


Charleston,  S.  C,  custom-house   533 

post-office,  court-house,  etc   535 

post-office  (old)   537 

wharf   533 

Charleston,  W.  Ya.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   019 

Charlotte,  N.  C,  assay  office   441 

court-house  and  post-office   443 

Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   547 

Chester,  Pa.,  post-office   493 

Chicago,  111.,  appraisers'  stores   121 

barge  office   123 

temporary  post-office   125 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  custom-house  and  post-office   465 

Clarksburg,  W.  Va.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   621 

Clarksville,  Tenn.,  post-office   549 

Cleveland,  Ohio,  custom-house  and  post-office   467 

Columbia,  S.  C,  court-house  and  post-office   539 

Columbus,  Ga.,  post-office   103 

Columbus,  Ohio,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   469 

Concord,  N.  H.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   371 

Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  post-office,  etc   163 

Covington,  Ky.,  court-house  and  post-office   191 

Dallas,  Tex.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   563 

Danville,  111.,  post-office   127 

Danville.  Va.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   599 

Davenport,  Iowa,  post-office   165 

Dayton,  Ohio,  post-office   471 

Denver,  Colo.,  branch  mint   51 

court-house,  post-office,  etc   53 

Des  Moines,  Iowa,  court-house  and  post-office   167 

Detroit,  Mich.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc     295 

custom-house   297 

Dover,  Del.,  post-office   69 

Dubuque,  Iowa,  custom-house  and  post-office   169 

Duluth,  Minn.,  court-house,  custom-house,  and  post-office   313 

Eastport,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   231 

Ellsworth,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   233 

El  Paso,  Tex.,  custom-house,  post-office,  and  court-house   565 

Erie,  Pa. ,  court-house,  post-office,  etc     495 

custom-house   497 

Evansville,  Ind.,  custom-house  and  post-office   143 

Fall  River,  Mass.,  custom-house  and  post-office   271 

Fargo,  N.  Dak.,  post-office  and  court-house   459 

Fort  Dodge,  Iowa,  post-office  -   171 

Fort  Scott,  Kans.,  court-house  and  post-office   181 

Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   25 

Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  court-house  and  post-office   145 

Fort  Worth,  Tex.)  post-office   567 

Forty  Mile,  Alaska,  custom-house   21 

Frankfort,  Ky.,  court-house  and  post-office   193 

Fremont,  Nebr.,  post-office   357 

Galena,  111.,  custom-house  and  post-office   129 

Galesburg,  111.,  post-office   131 

Galveston,  Tex.,  custom-house  (new)    569 

custom-house  (old)   571 

Gloucester,  Mass.,  custom-house  and  post-office   273 

Grand  Rapids,  .Mich.,  court-house  and  post-office  -   299 

Greensboro,  N.  ('.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   445 

Greenville,  S.  (  '.,  court-house  and  post-office   541 

Hannibal,  Mo.,  post-office   335 

Harris! >urg,  Pa.,  post-office,  etc   499 

Harrisonburg,  Ya. ,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   601 

Hartford,  Conn.,  custom-house  and  post-office   59 

Haverhill,  Mass.,  post-office   275 

Helena,  Ark.,  court-house  and  post-office   27 

Helena,  Mont.,  assay  office   353 


INDEX.  645 

I 'dire. 

Hoboken,  N.  J.,  post-office   579 

Houltoo,  Me.,  custom-house  and  poet-office   235 

Houston,  Tex.,  post-office,  etc   "'73 

Huntsville,  Ala.,  court-house  and  post-office   9 

Indianapolis,  Ind.,  court-house  and  post-office   147 

Jackson,  Mich.,  post-office   301 

Jackson,  Miss.,  court-house  and  post-office   S27 

Jackson,  Tcnn.,  court-house  and  post-office   551 

Jacksonville,  Ida.,  post-office,  custom-house,  etc   89 

Jefferson  City,  .Mo.,  court  house  and  post-office   337 

Jefferson,  Tex.,  court-house  and  post-office   575 

Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  post-office   381 

Kadiak,  Alaska,  custom-house   19 

Kalamazoo,  Mich.,  post-office   .'503 

Kansas  City,  Mo.,  custom-house,  etc   339 

post-office  and  court-house   341 

Kennebunkport,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   237 

Keokuk,  Jowa,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   17.'! 

Key  West,  Fla.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   91 

Knoxville,  Term.,  court-house  and  post-office   •">•">:; 

La  Crosse,  Wis.,  court-house,  post -office,  etc   ti.'!l 

Lafayette,  Ind.,  post-office   149 

Lancaster,  Pa.,  post-office   501 

Lansing,  Mich.,  post-office   305 

Leavenworth,  Kane.,  court-bouse,  poet-office,  etc   183 

Lewiston,  Me.,  post-office   239 

Lexington,  Ky.,  post-office,  etc   195 

Lima,  Ohio,  post-office   473 

Lincoln,  Nehr.,  court-house  and  post-office   359 

Little  Hock,  Ark.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   29 

Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   33 

Louisville,  Ky.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   197 

Lowell,  Mass.,  post-office   277 

Lynchburg,  Ya.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   003 

Lynn,  Mass.,  post-office   279 

Maehias,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   241 

Macon,  da.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   105 

Madison,  Ind.,  post-office   151 

Madison,  Wis.,  court-house  and  post-office   639 

Manchester,  N.  II.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   :!7.I 

Mankato,  Minn.,  court-house  and  post-office   .'!!■"> 

Marquette,  Mich.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   307 

Martinsburg,  W.  Ya.,  court-house  and  post-office   828 

Mary  Island,  Alaska,  custom-house   17 

Memphis,  Tcnn.,  custom-house,  court-house,  and  post-office   .">.">."> 

Meridian,  Miss.,  post-office   329 

Middletown,  Conn.,  custom-house  and  post-office   01 

Milwaukee,  Wis.,  post-office-,  court-house,  and  custom-house   636 

Minneapolis,  Minn.,  post-office,  etc   317 

Mobile,  Ala.,  custom-house  and  post-office   11 

Monroe,  La.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   209 

Monterey,  Cal.,  custom-house   36 

Montgomery,  Ala.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   13 

Montpelier,  Yt.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   ">s; 

Nashville,  Tcnn.,  custom-house  and  post-office     557 

Nebraska  City,  Nebr.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   .'I'll 

New  Albany,  Ind.,  court-house  and  post-office   153 

Newark,  N.  J.,  custom-house  and  post-office   ! 

New  Bedford,  Mass.,  custom-house   28] 

post-office   281 

Newbern,  N.  ('.,  post-office,  court-house,  and  custom-house   447 

Newburg,  N.  Y.,  post-office   405 

Newburyport,  Mass.,  custom-house   283 

New  Haven,  Conn.,  custom-house  and  post-office   <>3 

New  London,  Conn.,  custom-house   65 

post-office   07 


646 


INDEX. 


Page. 


New  Orleans,  La.,  branch  mint   211 

custom-house  and  post-office   213 

"Jump"  boarding  station   215 

Pass  a  l'Outre  boarding  station   215 

Southwest  Pass  boarding  station   215 

Newport,  R.  L,  custom-house  and  post-office   525 

New  York,  N.  Y.,  appraisers'  stores   407 

assay  office   409 

barge  office   411 

court-house  and  post-office   413 

custom-house   415 

subtreasury   417 

marine-hospital  office   411 

Niagara  Falls,  N.  Y.,  custom-house   419 

Norfolk,  Va.,  court-house  and  post-office   605 

custom-house   607 

Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.,  custom-house  and  post-office   421 

Omaha,  Nehr.,  court-house,  custom-house,  and  post-office   363 

Opelousas,  La.,  court-house  and  post-office   217 

Oshkosh,  Wis.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   637 

Oswego,  N.  Y.,  custom-house  and  post-office   423 

Ottumwa,  Iowa,  post-office,  etc   175 

Owensboro,  Ky.,  post-office,  etc   199 

Oxford,  Miss.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   331 

Paducah,  Ky.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   201 

Paris,  Tex.,  court-house  and  post-office   577 

Parkersburg,  W.  Va.,  court-house  and  post-office   625 

Paterson,  N.  J. ,  post-office   385 

Paw  tucket,  R.  I.,  post-office   527 

Pensacola,  Fla.,  court-house  and  post-office   93 

Peoria,  111.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   133 

Petersburg,  Va.,  custom-house  and  post-office   609 

Philadelphia,  Pa.,  appraisers'  stores   503 

custom-house,  etc   505 

marine-hospital  office  -   535 

post-office  and  court-house   507 

United  States  Mint   509 

Pittsburg,  Pa.,  court-house  and  post-office   511 

Plattsburg,  N.  Y.,  custom-house  and  post-office   425 

Port  Huron,  Mich.,  custom-house  and  post-office   309 

Portland,  Me.,  court-house  and  post-office   243 

custom-house   245 

Portland,  Oreg.,  custom-house  and  post-office   487 

Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  custom-house  and  post-office   375 

Portsmouth,  Ohio,  post-office   475 

Port  Townsend,  Wash.,  custom-house  and  post-office   617 

Pottsville,  Pa.,  post-office   513 

Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  post-office   427 

Pribilof  Islands,  Alaska,  treasury  buildings   21 

Providence,  R.  I.,  appraisers'  stores   529 

custom-house  and  post-office   531 

Pueblo,  Colo.,  post-office   55 

Quincy,  111.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   135 

Racine,  Wis.,  custom-house  and  post-office   639 

Raleigh,  N.  C.,  court-house  and  post-office   449 

Reading,  Pa.,  post-office   515 

Reidsville,  N.  C,  post-office,  court-house,  and  custom-house   451 

Richmond,  Ky.,  post-office   203 

Richmond,  Va.,  custom-house  and  post-office   611 

Roanoke,  Va.,  post-office   613 

Rochester,  N.  Y.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   429 

Rockford,  111.,  post-office   137 

Rock  Island,  111.,  post-office   139 

Rockland,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   247 

Rome,  Ga.,  post-office   107 

Rutland,  Vt.,  court-house  and  post-office   589 


INDEX.  647 

rage. 

Sacramento,  Cal.,  post-office,  etc   37 

Saginaw,  Mich.,  poet-office   311 

St.  Albans,  Vt.,  custom-house  and  post-office   51)1 

St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  court-house  awl  post-office     95 

St.  George  Island,  Alaska  treasury  building   21 

St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  post-office   343 

St.  Louis,  Mo.,  appraisers'  stores   346 

custom-house  and  post-office   347 

St.  Paul  Island,  Alaska,  treasury  building   21 

St.  Paul,  Minn.,  custom-house,  etc   319 

post-office,  court-house,  ami  custom-house   321 

Salem,  Mass.,  custom-house   285 

Salina,  Kans.,  post-otiice   185 

San  Antonio,  Tex.,  court-house  and  post-office     579 

Sand  Point,  Alaska,  custom-house   19 

Sandusky,  Ohio,  custom-house  and  post-otiiee   477 

San  Francisco,  Cal.,  appraisers'  stores  (new)   39 

appraisers'  stores  (old)   41 

branch  mint   43 

custom-house,  etc   45 

subtreasury   47 

San  Jose,  Cal.,  post-office,  etc   49 

Santa  Fe,  X.  Mex.,  court-house,  etc   389 

Savannah,  (la.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   f09 

custom-house,  etc   Ill 

Scranton,  Pa.,  post-office,  etc   517 

Sedalia,  Mo.,  post-office   349 

Sheboygan,  Wis.,  custom-house  anil  post-office   <>41 

Shreveport,  La.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   219 

Sioux  City,  Iowa,  court-house,  post-office,  and  custom-house   177 

Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak.,  court-house  and  post-office   543 

Sitka,  Alaska,  assay  office   17 

Baranoff  ( 'astle   17 

blockhouse   17 

clubhouse   15 

custom-house   15 

revenue-cutter  coal  house   15 

wharf  awl  warehouse   15 

South  Bend,  Iwl.,  post-office   155 

South  Omaha,  Nebr.,  post-office   365 

Springfield,  111.,  court-house  awl  post-office   141 

Springfield,  .Mass.,  post-office   2s7 

Springfield,  Mo.,  court-house  and  post-office   351 

Springfield,  Ohio,  post-office   479 

Statesville,  N*.  ('.,  court-house  and  post-office   L53 

Staunton,  Ya.,  post-office   (515 

Syracuse,  N.Y.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   431 

Tallahassee,  Fla.,  court-house  awl  poet-office   97 

Taunton,  Mass.,  post-office   289 

Terre  Haute,  Iwl.,  post-office,  etc     157 

Texarkana,  Ark.  awl  Tex.,  court-house  and  post-office   31 

Toledo,  Ohio,  custom-house  and  post-office   481 

Topeka,  Kans.,  court-house  and  post-office   187 

Trenton,  N.  J.,  court-house  awl  post-office   387 

Troy,  N.  Y.,  post-office,  court-house,  etc   433 

Tyler,  Tex.,  court-house  awl  post-office   5S1 

Unalaska,  Alaska,  custom-house   21 

CJtica,  N.Y.,  court-house  awl  post-office   435 

Yaneeboro,  Me.,  custom-house   249 

Yieksburg,  Miss.,  court-house,  post-office,  and  custom-house   .".:'..! 

Waco,  Tex.,  court-house,  post -office,  etc   583 

Waldohoro,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office  

Washington,  I>.  ('.,  Bureau  of  Engraving  and  Printing   75 

Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  Building   77 

custom-house   79 

Treasury   83 


648 


INDEX. 


Pace. 

Washington,  D.  C,  United  States  Marine-Hospital  Bureau  (Butler  Building)  81 

Winder  Building   87 

Watertown,  N.Y.,  post-office   437 

Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  custom-house   627 

Wichita,  Kans.,  post-office  and  court-house   189 

Williamsport,  Pa.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   519 

Wilmington,  Del.,  court-house,  post-office,  etc   71 

custom-house,  etc   73 

Wilmington,  N.  C.,  custom-house,  etc   455 

post-office,  custom-house,  etc   457 

wharf   455 

Windsor,  Vt.,  court-house  and  post-office   593 

Winona,  Minn.,  court-house  and  post-office   323 

Wiscasset,  Me.,  custom-house  and  post-office   253 

Worcester,  Mass.,  post-office,  etc   291 

Wrangell,  Alaska,  custom-house   19 

York,  Pa.,  post-office   521 

Youngstown,  Uhio,  post-office   483 


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